The television hosts share their nerves and the kindness of the monarch during a landmark meeting at Highgrove House.
Category: Arts & Culture
Television presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have opened up about their memorable encounter with King Charles at Highgrove House, which took place in the early 2000s to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Prince's Trust, now known as the King's Trust. The story, shared on their podcast Hanging Out With Ant & Dec, reveals the nerves and unexpected warmth they experienced during the meeting.
At the time of the interview, Charles was the Prince of Wales and is now 77 years old. The duo, who have interviewed countless celebrities throughout their careers, described this meeting as particularly notable. Dec, aged 50, recounted how the original plan was to conduct the interview outdoors in the garden. Upon their arrival, they were pleasantly surprised when Charles invited them inside for a preliminary chat.
Dec recalled, “We went to Highgrove House to meet him and interview him in the garden. And we were really super duper nervous and he was really relaxed and put us at our ease.” The future King took it upon himself to create a comfortable environment, stating, “I want to meet you off camera first so we get to know each other a bit before the cameras start rolling.”
Once inside, the atmosphere shifted as Charles introduced them to a lavish tea setup, complete with a large teapot, teacups, and biscuits. It was here that Dec's nerves began to escalate. “I’m sitting there going, ‘Who’s going to pour the tea? He’s not going to do it. Do we do it? Are we supposed to do this? Should one of us just die in?’” he said, admitting that he was distracted by the etiquette of tea pouring rather than fully engaging with the conversation.
The tension was alleviated when a staff member entered to pour the tea, allowing the interview to proceed. Dec noted, “I kind of wasn’t listening to what he was saying because I was too worried.” Once they transitioned to the garden for the actual interview, Dec found his footing. “And then we went out into the garden, interviewed him in the garden, and he was the loveliest loveliest man,” he concluded, highlighting the kindness and warmth of the monarch.
This interview holds special significance as it coincided with the recent 50th anniversary of the King's Trust, which Charles established using his severance pay from the Royal Navy. In a video message celebrating this milestone, the King spoke about the trust's impact, stating, “Over the last 50 years, the work of my trust has proved beyond doubt that supporting young people through personal development and the acquisition of self-confidence and self-esteem can make a real difference and transform lives.”
He expressed pride in the trust’s achievements, noting that it has helped over 1.3 million young people grow their confidence, continue their education, and secure sustainable jobs. In addition, more than 92,000 young people in the UK have been supported in starting their own businesses, enabling them to build brighter futures.
The juxtaposition of Dec's initial nerves with the eventual warmth of the encounter paints a vivid picture of the human side of royal interactions. The story resonates with audiences, for its royal significance and for the relatable experience of feeling anxious in a high-pressure situation.
This candid reflection by McPartlin and Donnelly adds a personal touch to the often formal world of royal engagements. Their experience serves as a reminder that behind the titles and responsibilities, there are moments of genuine connection and humanity.
As the King's Trust continues to thrive, the legacy of its founder, King Charles, remains impactful in the lives of many young people. This interview, which began with nerves and uncertainty, ended with a memorable connection that the presenters will carry with them for years to come.
In a world where royal engagements can often seem distant or scripted, the story shared by Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly offers a refreshing glimpse into the personal side of monarchy, highlighting the importance of kindness and approachability even in the most formal settings.