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In a delightfully amusing interview, Prince William let slip his favorite emoji, leaving royal enthusiasts both surprised and entertained by his unconventional choice. During a segment on BBC Radio One's "Going Home" show, the Prince of Wales was playfully interrogated about his texting habits and emoji preferences. With a cheeky grin, he inquired, "Is this a clean one or a family-friendly option?" He continued, "I've been advised to steer clear of the one, so I'll have to choose something else. It would have been the one, but since I'm trying to act all mature, I'll go with the one that has the eyes rolling up and down and the mouth sticking out."
Interestingly, Princess Kate was also posed the same question. Opting for a more traditional emoji, she shared, "I like the heart paired with the crying emoji," explaining it as the kind of hysterical laughter that happens when everything goes awry. For those unfamiliar, an emoji is a tiny digital symbol used to convey emotions or ideas. The term originates from the Japanese words “e” (picture) and “moji” (character), having been part of the Japanese lexicon since 1928 but making its English debut in 1997, according to the Oxford Dictionary. From cheerful smileys to hearts, thumbs-up, and hands in prayer, the vast world of emojis offers countless ways for digital communicators to express themselves.
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Fans took to social media to share their delight over William's quirky choice. One user exclaimed, "Ha! That's hilarious! I actually share the same favorite emoji as Catherine—my soul sister." Another commented on the couple's chemistry, saying, "Look at how they gaze at each other—so much love! I adore them." One family remarked, "Well, that was the last answer I expected from Prince William." The couple also shared some lesser-known tidbits about their lives to commemorate World Mental Health Day last October. The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared on "Going Home" with Vic and Jordan on Radio One when asked about their dinner plans for the evening after returning to Windsor.
Princess Kate playfully asked William if he would be cooking, to which he humorously replied that he might opt for a takeaway curry or perhaps some teriyaki salmon, expressing his fondness for Indian cuisine. When asked about his curry preferences and whether he enjoyed spicy dishes, he laughed and confessed, "I can't handle too much spice; I start sweating. It's not a good look."
Meanwhile, The Royal Variety Performance, an iconic annual event that showcases the best in music, theater, and comedy, is set to return to our screens for its 112th edition in 2024. With a rich history dating back to 1912 when King George V and Queen Mary first attended the event, it continues to be a star-studded affair. This year’s celebration promises appearances from legendary figures like Elton John, Penn & Teller, and Britain’s Got Talent winner, Sydney Christmas, with hosting duties handled by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr. However, this long-standing tradition of bringing together the best in entertainment has often been a platform for controversial moments, particularly when it comes to jokes aimed at the British royal family.
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With the upcoming performance in the spotlight, there is mounting concern that more risqué humor targeting the royals might be in store. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments from past performances that sparked debate and drew criticism. The 2022 Royal Variety Performance took place under a cloud of mourning following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II just the month before. Lee Mack was tasked with hosting the event and found himself embroiled in controversy with a joke about Prince Philip, the Queen's late husband, who had died in 2021. During his segment, Lee addressed Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, who were seated in the audience, and shared a story from his first Royal Variety Performance in 2002. He humorously recalled his misunderstanding of royal etiquette, joking, "I thought Prince Philip was going to punch my lights out after attempting a kiss on the lips."
While Lee intended the comment to be light-hearted, many found it distasteful, especially given the recent loss of the Queen. One fan expressed their disapproval on social media, writing, "Joking about Prince Philip in that way is far too cheeky, especially so soon after the Queen's passing." Alan Carr, who has hosted The Royal Variety Performance several times, also courted controversy with his jokes in 2021. He made an awkward comment about Kate Middleton's green dress, which led to some uncomfortable moments. His attempt to assure Prince William that he was not hitting on his wife became the talk of the evening. Alan joked, "Sir, I am sure you do not know who I am, but I am not hitting on your wife." While the royal couple laughed it off, viewers at home were not as impressed; some took to social media to voice their frustration, calling the humor outdated and unfunny.
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Back in 2019, the hosting duties were taken on by comedian duo Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett. The pair wasted no time poking fun at Prince William and Kate, who were seated in the audience. Romesh, in particular, made light of the couple’s apparent date night while their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, stayed at home. He quipped, "Thank you for coming out tonight. You're on a date night—that's exciting! You got the babysitter until midnight or 1 a.m." Romesh added to the banter, joking that parenting had led him to regret having children each morning. While the royal couple smiled through the jokes, viewers weren’t so charitable; many on Twitter remarked how uncomfortable they seemed, with one fan commenting, "Poor Wills and Kate having to force laughter for these two idiots."
The 2018 event also sparked some confusion when host Greg Davies made a joke about the Queen being just Harry's Nan. This comment, aimed at Meghan Markle, who had recently married Prince Harry, seemed to go over the heads of both Meghan and some members of the audience. Viewers on social media were quick to point out that Meghan appeared baffled by the joke, with one fan writing, "I don't think Meghan got the joke; that fake laugh wasn't kidding me." It highlighted how some royal humor may be lost on newcomers, especially those who are still adjusting to royal traditions. One of the most memorable and awkward moments came in 2014 when comedian Jack Whitehall took to the stage. He revealed that he had attended school with Kate Middleton, which instantly piqued the curiosity of the audience. Jack, known for his cheeky sense of humor, addressed the Duchess with a comment that raised eyebrows: "You were probably my first ever crush," he said, gazing toward the royal box.
While he quickly tried to backpedal by calling the comment inappropriate, it was clear that the moment had caused some discomfort. The following year, Jack made another bold remark at Prince Harry's expense, declaring, "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, he may only be a prince, but when it comes to banter, all hail the king!" These past incidents highlight the fine line that hosts and performers walk when joking about the royal family. On one hand, The Royal Variety Performance is a place for humor and entertainment, but on the other, there's an unspoken respect for the dignity of the monarchy. Over the years, there have been moments where this balance has been tested, with some jokes landing well and others causing unease among both the royal family and the public.
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As we look forward to the 2024 performance, it will be interesting to see if Alan Carr and Amanda Holden, with their reputation for sharp wit, choose to tread carefully or embrace the tradition of pushing the envelope with their royal-related humor. Whatever direction they take, one thing is certain: The Royal Variety Performance will undoubtedly continue to be a night to remember, full of laughter, surprise, and perhaps a few raised eyebrows. Thank you for watching till the end! Please do share your thoughts in the comment section, and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more updates!
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