Viewers of the Royal Variety Performance were left feeling awkward after host Alan Carr made a jibe at Prince William.
The 45-year-old TV star hosted this year’s performance, but fans felt stunned when he addressed William, who was watching from the Royal box with wife, Kate.
Firstly Alan, known for his Chatty Man talk show, made a quip about losing his hair.
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He said: “Hold on, where are my manners? We are incredibly honoured to be joined by their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tonight.”
Alan bowed and then added: “I won’t tug my forelock, I’m at that delicate stage of hair loss where it might actually come off.”
There was muted laughter from the audience before Alan continued.
What did Alan Carr say to Prince William?
“Ma’am, may I say you look absolutely beautiful tonight.” Kate responded with a beaming smile as the audience cheered. Wills appeared to brace himself.
Alan went on to say: “Sir I am sure you do not know who I am.
“But I am not hitting on your wife.”
While Kate and Wills seemed to find Alan’s joke funny, giggling together as they were filmed, viewers at home didn’t feel the same way.
The took to Twitter to share their thoughts on how poorly the gag landed.
“FFS! This is unbearable. How did Alan Carr get the job? What an unfunny, embarrassment he is. Even his parents are squirming,” wrote one member of the home audience.”
Another said: “Cringeingly awful, inappropriate and repulsive. Shame William and Kate had to endure Alan Carr’s clumsy and rude attempt to … what? Engage, charm, host…”
A third tweeted: “”
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