"It's a Royal Knockout" - British television charity event, 15 June 1987

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Be happy that you missed it. I was cringing...I couldn't even get thru 15 minutes of it! I knew that the public backlash was going to be severe, and I was correct!

[wbenson]

Originally Posted by Claire

Personally I feel that it was ahead of its time. These days we applaud our celbrities and royals who go on reality shows. But I don't think that we were ready to see the royals acting like that. I think the biggest problem they were so uncertain how to act themselves. They never got into it, only Sarah really tried and then it looked so overboard.

I don't think we ever will see royals (at least in the UK) on reality shows, at least not while the Queen is alive. I think she'll find her voice should anyone propose such a thing again.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Claire

Personally I feel that it was ahead of its time. These days we applaud our celbrities and royals who go on reality shows. But I don't think that we were ready to see the royals acting like that. I think the biggest problem they were so uncertain how to act themselves. They never got into it, only Sarah really tried and then it looked so overboard.

Ahead of it's time, I don't think so. It was very popular with some, when 'ordinary' people were on it, but I hope we never see any UK royals on a reality show!

Then again, I don't applaud celebrities or ordinary folk who feel the need to appear on such programmes.

It was a huge mistake, but something so typical of Edward!

[pinkie40]

I wish YouTube had a video of the press conference with Prince Edward after the show. He was mightly upset.

[kbear]

Oh the shame of it, yes i saw it, classic car crash tv Fergie was into it sort of. At one point Edward is standing with a bemused expression on his face as if he isnt quite sure where he is and if hes allowed to be there. Why anyone ever thought that the british upperclass and their stiff upper lip would be able to let go and really relax which that particular show required (i admit i loved the show itself just not the royal one) Please leave the reality tv to others in the future!!!!

[Jacknch]

Tee hee! I remember this show well but was disappointed none of the royals actually took part in the games - although they did wear costumes! The most embarrassing part of the whole thing was Edward's interview afterwards and he did indeed have a hissy fit when he basically hardly said a thing and asked the press what they thought of it and there was silence. He stalked off like a big child! Still, It's A Royal Knockout was one of his greater achievements and did well for charity! Maybe they should do an updated version with Zara, Peter, Autumn, Beatrix, Eugenie, Harry and William!

[Zonk]

Oh...I think we are good! We would never hear the end of it with an updated version. I.E. A disgrace to the crown.

[kbear]

No thank you once was enough I am a charitable person most of the time but no amount of money can pay for a rerun/update.

[Iluvbertie]

I really enjoyed it as did quite a few people I know.

[Royal Fan]

is the press Conference on youtube??

[Mermaid1962]

Yes, I believe it is. I don't have time to find a link right now, but I know that I've seen it. Since it exists online at all, it's likely on YouTube.

Actually, I didn't think that Edward's reaction was all that bad. I think that he expected a better reaction from the press than he did at the press conference, but I think that the reaction to his reaction is overblown.

Originally Posted by Royal Fan

is the press Conference on youtube??

[Amelia]

I may be remembering this totally wrong but I have a vague recollection of one of the journalists that was there that day saying during an interview a few years ago that the main problem that they, the journalists, had was that they were all kept inside the press tent during the show and didn't really get to see anything. So when Edward came in asking what they thought they really couldn't answer him which he sort of took in a bad way and things went down hill from there.

The whole things probably isn't one of their fondest memories.

[Mermaid1962]

Jayne Fincher was the photographer of record that day, I believe.

What you quote makes sense.

Originally Posted by Amelia

I may be remembering this totally wrong but I have a vague recollection of one of the journalists that was there that day saying during an interview a few years ago that the main problem that they, the journalists, had was that they were all kept inside the press tent during the show and didn't really get to see anything. So when Edward came in asking what they thought they really couldn't answer him which he sort of took in a bad way and things went down hill from there.

The whole things probably isn't one of their fondest memories.

[AuntyTam]

I remember "It's a Royal Knockout"... I wish I did not...

As a confirmed old fogey, I was very embarrassed for the royals at the time. As it was for charity, I'm sure their hearts were in the right place; but I am a firm believer that royalty should always act with regal dignity.

When the programme came out, I felt especially sorry for the Queen!