Prince William shared a playful joke while wishing Dame Mary Berry a happy birthday in a heartfelt message which will air on a special episode of The One Show tonight.

During a pre-recorded episode of the BBC show, The Prince of Wales, 42, shared a heartfelt message to the queen of baking in celebration of her 90th birthday today.

Hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, the episode will celebrate the incredible life of the beloved cook, and featured an avalanche of special messages from celebrity friends, including Dame Joanna Lumley, Paul Hollywood, Andi Oliver and Don Warrington.

In addition to the sweet birthday wishes from friends, Mary was in for a surprise when presenters revealed a surprise message from Prince William, who even managed to squeeze a hilarious joke in the short clip.

The baking maestro appeared visibly shocked as presenter, Alex Jones introduced the first in the cluster of birthday wishes, saying, 'Starting with one from somebody very special, who says that you've taught him everything he knows about baking.'

'Take it away, his royal Highness The Prince of Wales,' she said, as Mary put her hand to her chest in shock. 

In the pre-recorded message, the Prince said: 'I want to wish you a very happy 90th birthday. You are a true national treasure and we've loved working with you over the years. Have a fantastic day today.'

The cheeky royal then added: 'I dread to think who's cooking your cake and the criticism they might get, but good luck and I hope it goes really well.' 

On the show, The Great British Bake Off star was joined by Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, chef Monica Galetti and former Great British Bake Off presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

There, the Great British Bake Off queen was treated to a cluster of other warm birthday wishes from friends.

Joanna Lumley said: 'Happy 90th birthday darling Dame Mary Berry… you are literally the most beautiful woman on the planet…I think you're absolutely fabulous. Cheers sweetie!'

The touching collection of messages brought a flurry of emotions for Mary, who commented on what 'an honour' it was to have received such wonderful wishes.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are known for being huge fans of the baking star, with the royal couple having previously featured on her BBC One Show, A Berry Royal Christmas, in 2019.

During the episode five years ago, Kate even revealed that their youngest son, Prince Louis's first word had been 'Mary', having spotted it in one of her cookbooks.

'One of Louis' first words was Mary, because right at his height are all my cooking books in the kitchen bookshelf,' the mother-of-three shared.

Further, Dame Mary and the Prince have also developed a bond over their shared passion for supporting child bereavement charities, with William a patron of Child Bereavement UK.

In June 2019, the two were pictured sharing a sweet exchange during Child Bereavement UK charity's 25th Birthday Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace.

It comes as the baking mogul celebrates her 90th birthday today.

Mary Berry looked incredible as she posed for a photoshoot ahead of her birthday celebrations, saying she was going all out for the milestone. 

Speaking about her birthday to British Vogue, Mary simply said: 'There will be cake, and champagne. I'm all for parties.'

The chef also admitted she is no fan of gyms and instead takes after her mother who preferred walking for exercise and also enjoys tennis. 

Speaking of her mother Margaret, she said: 'She didn't go to gyms and I couldn't agree with her more.' 

As her career was taking off in the sixties and seventies, Mary and her husband Paul Hunnings had three children; Thomas, William and Annabel.

William tragically died in a car accident in 1989 when he was 19. Annabel was in the car also but survived.

Mary insisted she doesn't mind speaking about William or the tragedy of the accident, saying: 'It's absolutely amazing in my 90th year to think that William died all that time ago. 

'If he walked in that door over there, I would say: 'Where have you been?' It wouldn't surprise me at all.'

Mary added that she and Paul were 'lucky to have him' and they got to be a 'family unit' right up until 'those few hours' before he died. 

Mary also discussed her marriage, saying 'respect' is the most important thing in a long-term relationship.

She also joked the couple – who married in 1966 – don't count the decades too closely and make sure to never raise their voices at each other. 

The One Show: Dame Mary Berry, a Celebration at 90, will air on BBC One tonight at 7pm.