Bradley Walsh's extremely awkward joke in front of Prince William backfires

Bradley Walsh managed to hit a bum note while fronting this year's Royal Variety Performance.

The Chase presenter, 63, earned a few chuckles with his comedic routine but it failed to impress a legion of Brits watching from home - and apparently some of the guests of honour.

The gala night got underway at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 30 November, but was broadcast on ITV last night (17 December), with the Prince and Princess of Wales in attendance.

William and Kate, both 41, were joined by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel, who were in the UK for an official visit.

But Bradley didn't seem intimidated by the fact that the future heir to the throne was in the crowd - in fact, he took the opportunity to seemingly take a swipe at the royals.

The host made a series of jokes during his shtick which ended up going down like a lead balloon.

First, he introduced Kate, William and their Swedish counterparts - by pretending to stumble over his words as he addressed them as the 'royal highnesses'.

Bradley laughed: "It doesn't sound right, your royal highnessesses? There's too many 'ssessess'. Your royal highness… your royal highnessesses? It should be like cactus, cactussess, cacti.

ITV

"Your royal highness, highnessess and highni. That's it. I've got it. Your royal highni."

The royal foursome giggled awkwardly as the camera panned to them, which should have been an indicator to the audience at home of how uncomfortable it would get as the night rolled on.

Bradley decided to seize his opportunity on stage and remind Prince William of his dedication to both the Royal Variety and the British monarchy.

He began: "I did my first Royal Variety in November 93', exactly 30 years ago this week.

"Since then, I have appeared on five Royal Variety's and three other special events all for Her Majesty The Queen."

Turning to William and Kate, he said: "In fact sir, I have worked for your great nan, your nan, your grandad, your dad and now I am working for you sir and ma'am."

Former Coronation Street star Bradley had a bone to pick with the royals and seemed to think this was the best time to address the so-called elephant in the room.

ITV

Addressing the crowd, he continued: "And I must say - ask me if I've got an MBE. Nah, ain't got one.

"Ask me if I've got an OBE - nah, ain't got one of them. Ask me if I've got a CBE - no!

"No. Not a sausage. Not even a member of the RAC any more, it's a liberty I tell you!"

The TV legend hit a bum note with his knighthood plea, but it didn't stop him continuing on the awkward tangent.

Bradley went on to deliver a long list of his services to comedy, reminding viewers that he had 'entertained troops in the Falklands' and was 'happy to make it out alive'.

He joked that his two-year-old grandson had said he'd 'never been properly recognised for his services in the entertainment industry' so should 'ask their highni nicely to facilitate the gong'.

Bradley also admitted he was a bit bitter that other TV stars had been recognised with a knighthood before him.

He added: "Guess who they give them to? People on telly who bake cakes."

After it was revealed Bradley would be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year, he said he was 'so excited' and it was 'an absolute honour'.

Social media users didn't seem impressed by his efforts, despite some agreeing that he 'had a point' about being snubbed for a knighthood.

One said: "Worst show in years, the terrible tone set by the normally fantastic Bradley Walsh. It all went downhill from there, what on earth has happened to a once great show."

Another said: "Bradley Walsh is shameless begging for a national honour by pretending its part of the act."

A third added: "I love Bradley Walsh but he’s dying on his a**e here."