ITV viewers tuning into The Royal Variety Performance were left feeling “sorry” for King Charles, with many branding this year’s show as “rubbish”.
The annual event, which is a fundraiser for The Royal Variety Charity where King Charles III serves as a life patron, aired another star-studded edition on Sunday night (December 15). Hosted by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, the duo kept audiences amused with their witty banter and engaging hosting chops.
This year’s lineup included Britain’s Got Talent victor Sydnie Christmas, music legend Elton John, and the cast of Starlight Express among others. However, despite the presence of award-winning talent, viewers at home were less than thrilled, expressing pity for King Charles.
Social media site X became a hub for viewers to air their views on the performance. One viewer commented: “The ONE time I have ever felt sorry for King Charlie… Imagine having to sit through this dross and pretend to laugh. I have seen two minutes and am turning over. Dire!” (sic)
Another added: “How can the Royal family sit through this rubbish, I would have pulled a sticky.”
A third chimed in: “You really have to feel sorry for those members of the royal family who pick the short straw when deciding whose turn it is to go to the #RoyalVarietyPerformance.” (sic)
A fourth viewer chimed in with a touch of sympathy for the royals during the show, commenting: “#RoyalVarietyPerformance is the only time that I ever feel sorry for the Royal Family?” (sic)
Meanwhile, some audience members were touched by certain acts, including a brief tribute to the late singer Liam Payne, reports the Mirror.
Before gracing the stage, hosts Alan and Amanda shared their excitement about presenting this year’s Royal Variety Performance. Alan enthused: “I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon, what a compliment and an honour! To be able to host this magical evening with my best friend and TV wife, Amanda Holden, is the icing on the cake for me.”
Amanda also expressed her delight: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself! This is a dream job and Alan is a ‘true’ friend, we are already bursting with ideas and excitement, it’s going to be such a fun night!”
She continued, reflecting on her experience with Britain’s Got Talent: “I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family.”
The Royal Variety Performance is available to watch on ITVX.