Television presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have shared a hilarious and slightly embarrassing story about a royal overnight stay that ended with a firm request from King Charles' staff to keep the noise down. The popular Geordie hosts recounted the tale during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, reflecting on their unique experience at the monarch's Scottish country estate.
The Royal Invitation to Dumfries House
Ant and Dec's royal adventure dates back to 2006, when they filmed an ITV special celebrating thirty years of The Prince's Trust, the charitable organisation founded by King Charles that has since been renamed The King's Trust. The charity focuses on supporting young people under thirty in launching their own business ventures and building successful careers.
During the filming process, both presenters, now aged fifty, developed a surprisingly strong rapport with the then Prince of Wales. McPartlin recalled that they "got on really well" with Charles, describing the entire experience as both bizarre and utterly unforgettable. The connection proved so positive that the pair received an extraordinary invitation.
An Unforgettable Night in Royal Accommodation
"We were asked if we would like to spend the night at the house ahead of the final interview," McPartlin explained. "We were like 'hell, yes!' It was amazing and everything you'd imagine." The grand Scottish property, Dumfries House, provided the setting for their royal sleepover, offering them a taste of life within historic royal surroundings.
However, the evening took an awkward turn when McPartlin decided to try on the robe provided in his room. "I ran out into the corridor to find Dec and there was the Prince," he confessed. "He said 'hello' and started talking to me about pruning roses. I was so embarrassed." This unexpected encounter with the future monarch created one of those cringe-worthy moments that stays with you forever.
The Wine-Fuelled Noise Complaint
Donnelly revealed that their evening took a more raucous turn as they settled into their accommodations. "We then had wine in the room and got a bit noisy," he admitted. "We took it a bit far and were asked to be quiet." This direct intervention from King Charles' staff became the memorable climax to their royal overnight experience, demonstrating that even celebrity guests must observe proper decorum within royal residences.
Dumfries House itself holds significant historical importance, having been purchased in 2007 by a consortium spearheaded by the then Prince Charles. His charitable foundation secured the property and its contents for the nation, ensuring it remained under trust ownership while functioning as a centre for traditional crafts training and preservation.
New Podcast Venture Inspired by Changing Circumstances
The revelation about their royal overnight stay coincides with the launch of Ant and Dec's new podcast, Hanging Out With Ant & Dec. The presenting duo explained why they felt the timing was finally right to venture into the podcasting world after decades of television success.
Donnelly highlighted how their personal circumstances have evolved, particularly with both now being fathers to young children. "We're now dads to very small children...the little ones especially take up a lot of time and effort and energy," he commented. "I love them dearly, but we don't hang out as much as we used to."
Geographical changes have further reduced their casual interaction time. "Ant's moved house now; geographically, we're further away from each other than we've ever been," Donnelly explained. "So we don't get the chance to hang out as much and talk rubbish anymore, so we decided to come up with the idea of doing a podcast to sit together and talk some rubbish and let you join in too."
Both presenters have embraced fatherhood in recent years. Donnelly has two children with his wife Ali Astall – daughter Isla, born in 2018, and son Jack, born in 2022. Meanwhile, McPartlin has a baby son named Wilder with his wife Anne-Marie Corbett, while also co-parenting her two teenage daughters from a previous relationship.
The podcast represents a new chapter for the beloved presenting partnership, allowing them to maintain their connection despite the demands of parenting and geographical separation. Their royal overnight story serves as perfect content for their new venture, blending celebrity anecdotes with royal intrigue and relatable parenting challenges.
