Romesh Ranganathan mocks Prince William and Kate Middleton for having children at the Royal Variety Performance

Comic suggested the royal couple ‘regret’ starting a family

Romesh Ranganathan’s set at the Royal Variety Performance saw him make jokes about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s decision to have children.

The annual event, which was screened on Tuesday evening (10 December), was hosted by Ranganathan and fellow comedian Rob Beckett, with the royal couple among the audience at the London Palladium.

"Like me, you’re blessed with three beautiful children,” said Ranganathan. “I reckon every morning they come running into your bedroom and you look at their little faces and say, 'I regret this.’”

Beckett, meanwhile, theatrically bowed, before saying: "Thank you for coming out tonight. You’re on date night. That's exciting. You got the babysitter until midnight or 1am? It's worth that extra 20 quid."

The royal couple later admitted to the cast of Mary Poppins, whose performance opened the show, that their children had asked to come along to see them too, but they had to say no as it was a school night.

Last night’s show also featured music from Robbie Williams, Jamie Cullum, Emeli Sande, Lewis Capaldi, the Kanneh Masons and Mabel, as well as this year's Britain's Got Talent winner, Colin Thackery, and comedy from Frank Skinner, Kerry Godliman and Flo & Joan.