Television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have shared a hilarious royal anecdote, admitting they were firmly told to be quiet during a boisterous sleepover at King Charles's Scottish country house. The popular duo, known for their long-running partnership, made the revelation during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show on BBC One.
A Year-Long Project and a Royal Invitation
McPartlin, 50, explained that the extraordinary opportunity arose after they spent a year following the then-Prince of Wales for a television programme. Having built a rapport with Charles during the project, the pair were invited to spend the night at his Dumfries House residence in Ayrshire, ahead of their final interview.
"We were asked if we would like to spend the night at the house ahead of the final interview," McPartlin recounted. "We were like 'Hell, yes!' It was amazing and everything you'd imagine."
An Embarrassing Encounter in the Corridor
The presenter then described a slightly awkward moment from the visit. "I tried on the robe that was in my room and ran out into the corridor to find Dec and there was the prince," he said. "He said 'hello' and started talking to me about pruning roses. I was so embarrassed."
The Nocturnal Noise Complaint
Donnelly, 48, added the key detail that led to their royal reprimand. "We then had wine in the room and got a bit noisy. We took it a bit far and were asked to be quiet," he confessed, much to the amusement of the studio audience and host Graham Norton.
Promoting Their New Podcast Venture
During the chat show appearance, the pair also took the opportunity to discuss their new podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. Donnelly expressed hope that listeners would enjoy their natural dynamic. "We know each other inside out and we make each other laugh, so hopefully people will like it," he said.
McPartlin added, "It really is just two mates catching up." Donnelly noted that their wives were perhaps more apprehensive about the project than they were, concerned they might reveal too much personal information.
Other Guests on the Graham Norton Sofa
The episode also featured Emmy award-winning actress Claire Foy, who discussed her new biographical drama, H Is For Hawk. Foy, renowned for her portrayal of a young Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, plays academic Helen Macdonald, who attempts to tame a goshawk following her father's death.
"There is an avoidance of death, but this story brings it out into the open and discusses it," Foy said of the film's themes. She described the intensive falconry training required for the role, stating she came to appreciate the birds "from a position of love" and now misses them.
Also joining Norton on the famous red sofa were Stranger Things star Joe Keery and rap artist Tinie Tempah, who performed his new single, Energy.
The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 11.20pm on Friday evenings.
