The Queen’s annual Christmas Day speech is a carefully curated piece of television which helps bolster the Firm’s public image. However, the Royal Family’s ventures into broadcast have not always been successful and there have been some hit and miss moments over the past year.

Prince Andrew’s interview with the BBC’s Newsnight about his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was widely deemed a PR disaster and ultimately prompted the Duke of York to withdraw from his royal role all together.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to feature in a documentary during their tour of Southern Africa in autumn also received mixed reviews.

In the ITV programme both Meghan and Harry opened up about their struggles existing in the royal limelight and prompted many to speculate as to whether they will remain active in their roles long-term.

Some may worry Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William’s decision to feature in a special Christmas programme with TV chef Mary Berry could backfire but the move is “as safe as houses” according to one royal commentator.

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Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “Seeing royals appear on television recently has been somewhat perilous.

“Harry and Meghan’s highly contentious ITV documentary which highlighted their unhappiness with royal life despite the success of their Southern Africa tour was followed by the grotesque imbecility of Andrew’s interview

with Emily Maitlis, which was a car crash of Krakatoan proportions.

“It may well have unforeseen consequences.”

However, Mr Fitzwilliams claims Wills’ and Kate’s decision will pander to the British public and is unlikely to cause controversy.

He added: “In contrast, William and Kate’s appearance on Mary Berry’s Show for a Christmas TV special plays to the British fondness for celebrity chefs and interest in food. It is as safe as houses.”

He added that Wills’ and Kate’s low-risk approach to their royal roles works in their favour.

Mr Fitzwilliams added: “William and Kate have, thankfully, yet to put a foot wrong and this is likely to be a delightful and widely watched Yuletide experience from which others might learn.”

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A Berry Royal Christmas will air on BBC One at 8.30pm on December 16.

In the show, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will team up with Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain and Mary Berry to create a festive feast for charity workers and volunteers who are working over Christmas.

Kate and Wills shared some behind-the-scenes snaps from the show last week.

One photo shows them each holding a Christmas meringue roulade which they presumably will have prepared under Mary Berry’s instruction.

Prince George, six, and Princess Charlotte, four, broke up for the Christmas holidays on Wednesday and Kate will have her hands full with three children at home.

However, she and Prince William still managed to make it to the annual diplomats’ reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.

Kate stunned in a floor-length blue velvet Alexander McQueen gown which she teamed with a diamond necklace and earrings and Princess Diana’s Lover’s Knot tiara.

The Duchess proudly wore her blue Royal Order sash and special memento brooch on her shoulder.

She was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order last year, an honour bestowed on her by the Queen following her and Prince William’s eighth wedding anniversary.

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