Royal Variety Performance viewers slam comedian's 'ill-timed' cancer joke in front of King Charles
The king has been receiving treatment for cancer this yearThe Royal Variety Performance aired on December 15 as King Charles attended at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The monarch, 76, attended the annual event, which was recorded in November. His wife, Queen Camilla, was unable to join His Majesty due to a chest infection at the time.
During the show, comedian Matt Forde took to the stage. However, he came under fire for an “ill-timed” joke about his cancer diagnosis.
It came as the king continues his treatment for a form of cancer. His diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace in February 2024.
King Charles at the Royal Variety Performance 2024
Matt was on stage using a walking stick. At the start of his comedy routine, he addressed why he was using the stick.
He said: “Before I start I should explain why I need a walking stick.
“Just over a year ago, I had terrible nerve pain in my left leg and I went to get an MRI scan thinking the pain was caused by a slipped or swollen disc.
If I insult somebody you like, just remember… I’ve been very brave.
“I got the results of that scan back and I was diagnosed with cancer. And at that point, I had no idea how much longer I had left to live.”
To lighten the mood, Matt then said: “I’m telling you this… mainly just to get you onside because I’m going to impersonate a few politicians now,” as the crowd laughed.
Comedian Matt Forde made joke about cancer diagnosis at the Royal Variety
He added: “If I insult somebody you like, just remember… I’ve been very brave.”
As the audience laughed again, Matt said: “But I’m now cancer-free and alive. And I’m so glad I lived to see the wonderful global political events of the last few months.”
He then began with his impressions of many political figures from prime minister Keir Starmer to US president Donald Trump.
However, viewers were quick to share their thoughts on the opening jokes on X. Some were unimpressed that Matt joked about his illness in front of the king, amid his own health woes.
King Charles was watching from the Royal Albert Hall balcony.
One viewer said: “Did he have to mention his cancer diagnosis, as a cancer survivor myself good luck to him, but did he really have to mention it in front of the king?”
Another wrote: “The cancer joke is very ill-timed after what the king has been through recently.”
Read more: Prince William compared to King Charles as royal fans stunned by his ‘naughty laugh’ in new video
Someone else added: “A cancer joke with the king watching? Bit tasteless.”
However, someone defended Matt as they wrote in response to the backlash: “Given the guy himself has also had cancer, people with illnesses joke about them to cope.”
Another shared their opinion on the jokes, writing: “He wasn’t very good to be fair but I didn’t care about him joking about cancer.”
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