Paul Hollywood awarded MBE for contributions to baking and presenting

Celebrity baker and TV presenter Paul Hollywood has been made an MBE by The Princess Royal for his services to baking and broadcasting. The 57-year-old, known for his role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, expressed his pride at receiving the honor during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Hollywood, who has been a fixture on the popular baking show since it began in 2010, shared his excitement at the recognition, saying he was “over the moon” and even promised Princess Anne some of his famous Chelsea buns.

The presenter revealed that he had previously met the Princess Royal a few years ago at Buckingham Palace and had always been fond of her. He recounted a conversation with Princess Anne where she expressed her love for the smell of baking, to which he wholeheartedly agreed.

Reflecting on his journey from a household name to receiving an MBE, Hollywood said he felt “very proud” and wished his late grandmother could have witnessed the moment. He also mentioned that his mother was present at the ceremony and was thrilled by the honor.

In addition to his MBE, Hollywood shared that the upcoming season of The Great British Bake Off is set to start soon and teased about the show’s global popularity, with A-list celebrities reaching out to be part of it. He also revealed that he is working on a new book celebrating various holidays throughout the year.