Prince dismisses comedians as 'tiresome'

Prince Michael of Kent has turned into an unlikely comedy critic – complaining that most comedians are ‘tiresome’.

Although it’s fair to assume the Queen’s cousin rarely ventures out of Kensington Place to sample his local open mic night, he suggested it was a chore to watch comics at the occasional charity shows where he might encounter them.

‘Nowadays I find most comedians quite tiresome,’ he told the Daily Telegraph at the fundraising gala A Night Under The Stars. ‘But, anyway, I must watch what I say...’

His comments were sparked by the mention of Simon Amstell, who co-hosted last year’s show.

The former Never Mind the Buzzcocks host cracked several gags about the Royal family, and joked that the evening of classical music was all about ‘overthrowing the monarchy’.

Apparently the Prince’s wife, Princess Michael of Kent, was not amused – with reports that she was seen tapping Amstell on the shoulder and wagging her finger at him during the post-show reception.

The Kents might provide comedians with plenty of material, should they choose. Prince Michael hit the headlines earlier this year for receiving £320,000 from Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky. Before that he received money from the Queen to stay in his lavish accommodation.

This year, organisers of the Night Under The Stars show played things a little safer, choosing broadcaster John Sergeant to host the concert, which – ironically enough given the Prince’s apparent reliance on handouts to keep a roof over his head – benefits homeless charity The Passage.

Published: 10 Nov 2012