The annual celebration of music, theatre and comedy will return to screens to show highlights from the 112th event – and there are fears more jokes will be unleashed at the expense of the Royals

The 2024 Royal Variety Performance is taking place in London tonight.

The annual event is now in its 112th year – having first been performed way back in 1912, with King George V and Queen Mary attending. Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are on hosting duties, and aside from the King and Queen, this year’s star-studded show will feature appearances from Elton John, Penn & Teller and BGT winner Sydnie Christmas.

But some Royal fans might be anxious Carr and co could crack controversial jokes about the Royal Family. Many past hosts and performers have made risqué comments about the top British family. Here we look back at some of those controversial moments.

Lee Mack

The 2022 Royal Variety Performance was the first to take place following the death of Queen Elizabeth II – who passed away in September that year at the impressive age of 96. Lee Mack was placed in charge of hosting the show – but provoked controversy with a joke about Her Majesty’s late husband, Prince Phillip – who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.

Lee Mack sparked gasps when he hosted the show in 2022 ( 
Image:
ITV)

Addressing Prince Edward and wife Sophie – who were sitting in the audience – Lee joked: “I look forward to meeting you both after the show. I’ve been told all about Royal etiquette. I don’t want to make the mistake I made on my first Royal Variety Performance in 2002. Apparently when meeting the Royal family, you should bow your head just at the neck and you never offer your hand until you’ve been offered it by them.

“And the number one rule which I got wrong last time was to never kiss them on the lips. Honestly, I thought Prince Philip was going to punch my lights out.” The gag was slammed by many, with one fan writing on X/Twitter: “I love Lee Mack but joking about Prince Philip in that way is far too cheeky. Especially given the fact the Queen only passed a few months back. There’s a time and a place.”

Alan Carr

Bespectacled comedy icon Alan was also the host of the Variety show in 2021 but divided fans with an awkward joke aimed at Prince William and Kate. The TV star complemented Kate and the green dress that she was wearing.

Alan Carr made some cheeky comments in 2021 ( 
Image:
ITV/Matt Frost/REX/Shutterstock)
However, he made a quip that was arguably at his own expense as he referenced his own sexuality to assure Prince William that he was not making a pass at his wife. Alan joked: “Sir, I am sure you do not know who I am. But I am not hitting on your wife.”

While Alan’s joke made the royal pair chuckle, viewers watching at home were less impressed – with some taking aim at the comedian, with one writing on X/Twitter at the time: “@RoyalVariety blimey didn’t realise how funny Alan Carr isn’t. This is so boring.” And another asked: “Who the feck booked Alan Carr for #TheRoyalVarietyPerformance? His jokes are as old as Rod Stewart’s hairstyle.”

Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett

In 2019, the event was hosted by comedian pair Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett. Both of the comedy stars took aim at Prince William and Kate – who were sat prominently in the audience while their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were at home.

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Image:
Matt Frost/ITV)
Rob said: “We are also joined by some special Royal guests tonight. I’m really excited about the royal party being here. I’ve been doing research. I went to Hampton Court Palace for 10 hours. I got lost in the maze… Thank you for coming out tonight. You’re on date night. That’s exciting. You got the babysitter until midnight or 1am? It’s worth that extra 20 quid.”

Romesh continued: “Like me you’re blessed with three beautiful children. I reckon every morning they come running into your bedroom and you look at their little faces and say, ‘I regret this’.”

The jokes didn’t land well with viewers, however, with many finding the quips excruciating. One TV fan wrote on X/Twitter at the time: “Poor Wills & Kate having to force laughter for these two idiots. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

Greg Davies

In 2018, Variety Show viewers were sure many jokes were going over the head of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who was sat beside new husband Prince Harry. Show host Greg Davies shared an anecdote about his mum, nerves, and the Queen.

Greg Davies’s jokes went over Meghan Markle in 2018 ( 
Image:
ITV)He recalled: “My mum said about tonight: ‘You don’t need to be nervous, the Queen is just Harry’s nan’. She said it with the arrogance of someone who had met the entire family.”

But viewers were convinced the comment left Meghan grimacing with confusion. One fan wrote on X/Twitter: “I don’t think Meghan got the joke… that fake laugh weren’t kidding me!”

Jack Whitehall

Back in 2014, Jack Whitehall took to the stage of the Royal Variety Show – where he stunned fans by revealing he had been at school with Kate. The star sparked gasps at the time, not just because of his surprising royal connection – but because of a cheeky quip he made at the event too.

Jack said: “I was a bit younger than you, but this is the first time I’ve seen you since school, so hello.” He made his comment while gazing towards the Royal Box – where Kate was sat alongside her husband.

Jack Whitehall stunned fans in 2014 with his royal connection ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Jack continued: “I don’t know whether it’s appropriate given the circumstances but you were probably my first ever crush.” He then hastily added: “Okay, definitely inappropriate. Your Highness is giving me a sharp look.”

The following year, Jack caused more awkward laughs as he addressed Prince Harry, saying: “Yes, ladies and gentleman, he may only be a Prince. But when it comes to banter, all hail the King.”