While Mary Berry is undoubtedly a star in the culinary world, her husband. But not so much is known of the man behind her glow, growth and smiles. Paul J.M. Hunnings might have often remained in the shadows, yet his influence in the life of the legendary cook and the amazing 53 years spent together is worth examining. Hence, let’s discover the man behind the woman who has delighted millions with her culinary creations.
Paul Is A Retiree
Paul J.M. Hunnings was born in England, though much of his early life has remained private. He is now enjoying a retired life after working for Harveys of Bristol and selling antique books.
Paul Proposed To Mary Three Times Before She Finally Said Yes!
Yes, you heard that right. Paul J.M. Hunnings met Mary in the 1960s, and the couple married in 1966. When the couple appeared together to talk about their 50 years of marriage on a 2017 special edition BBC BBC show Mary Berry every day, Mary discloses, “I do remember the first proposal and I think you were drunk”.
Her husband replied “Well I might have been,” he said. “It’s a big step. You don’t go into something like that without a bit of fortification.” Mary continued: “I think you had too much and I can remember telling you you were drunk and thinking ‘I’m not going to have anything to do with this man’. But you came back”.
Mary eventually accepted after the third attempt when he said “I said ‘I’m getting on in age, so either it’s yes or no.'”
They end up tying the knot in Charlcombe Church in Bath where Mary was born. Mary revealed that she got her wedding dress for just five pounds and of course, the amazing chef baked her own cake.
They have been together ever since, supporting each other throughout their lives, including during Mary’s rise to fame as a cookbook author and television personality on shows like The Great British Bake Off. Paul j.m. hunting has often been described as a private, supportive figure in their marriage, providing a grounding presence for Mary through the ups and downs of her career.
They Have Three Children, One Died In A Car Accident
Together, they have three children, two sons, Thomas and William, and a daughter named Annabel, though they suffered the tragic loss of one of their sons in a car accident at age 19.
Thomas Hunnings, their eldest son, became a tree surgeon and is based in Oxfordshire. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing a quieter life compared to his mother’s high-profile career.
Annabel Hunnings, their only daughter, has chosen her mother’s path by venturing into the culinary world. She runs a successful business, creating ready-made salads and dips, a career that resonates with Mary’s passion for food. Annabel went into business with her mother and they sold a selection of salad dressings, chutneys and sauces.
However, the family faced a heartbreaking tragedy with their middle child, William Hunnings, who passed away at the young age of 19 in 1989. William died in a car accident while driving to join friends for a weekend. The loss devastated the family, and Mary once told the Daily Mail in an interview:
“William is still a huge part of our lives. I have his photo in the kitchen where I can look at it all the time. “When I think of William, it’s with joy and happiness.”
Mary Berry and her husband also have five great-grandchildren.
Mary Shares Secret To A Successful Marriage
From someone who has had a successful 53 years of marriage despite the ups and downs, her secret to a successful marriage is “I think it comes down to mutual respect and never letting the sun go down on an argument,” “My husband and I never quarrel because I can’t bear bad feelings between us; if either of us shouted, I would be so upset.”
“Marriage does get easier with time, though, and we are of a generation who were brought up to believe that it wasn’t all about the perfect wedding day, it was all about the vows: ‘For better or worse, till death do us part’. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful husband and family,” she told the Daily Mail.
Paul J.M. Hunnings Stood With Mary During Her Hip Injury
Mary recently broke her hip and had surgery. She shares how the injury changed her marriage and life including how Paul stood by her side as they weather the storm. In an interview with S Magazine, she shared how the dynamics have changed with Pual now in his 90’s “I’m very lucky to have my husband. He’s 91 and I’m looking after him, I can tell you!”
She broke her hips in 2021 after she fell in Paul’s garden. She spent only 10 days in the hospital narrating that “I was never nervous. I didn’t get a shiny new hip. They just repaired the old one and popped it back in.”
Throughout it all, Paul remained Mary’s rock, a supportive presence who allowed her to flourish in the public eye while maintaining their private family life.