Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex have a difficult encounter

[@urbanimage]

"Have you come far?", "And what do you do?", "But where do you really come from?" Edward just needs a bit more coaching.

[@steveparker8065]

When competence is judged by the ability to communicate effectively with other human beings without offending them... A skill social animals like humans learn from an early age unless they are brought up in a bubble of privilege. But let's congratulate the Royals who have the ability to put these basic skills into practice. *doffs cap* *tugs forelock*

[@markopecinovic4475]

People, in general, were very polite in the past, especially when there was a large chance you are betting your life on an opinion.

[@steveparker8065]

@@markopecinovic4475 The idea that politeness is all-important when we live in a world of such inequity is laughable. It's a millstone around the neck of anyone who fights inequality. You can't convince imperialist slavers, Nat sees, or people who think you're a different species and deserve your lot in life through polite discourse. Were that the case we'd have Eutopia instead of dystopia.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Oh dear God. The PR department at Buckingham Palace is so arse backwards.

[@stevec700]

The royals are sent to these things to meet the peasants. They think, oh shit not another one, do you have the hand gel dear? What shall we ask? Well just ask if they enjoyed themselves, etc. Try to look interested. Then back to the palace for cocktails.

[@johnturner5252]

Steve C.sounds a bout right.

[@joshuddin897]

Galileo had a difficult encounter with the Vatican

[@christinalogan311]

I am rather surprised by this as Sophie & Edward never seem to have an opinion on very much at all. I always see them as foot perfect,smiling, well dressed, a well rehearsed speech, a nod and off they toddle back to their castle. Apart from that one time when Prince Edward got upset following “ It’s A Royal Knockout.” Dear oh dear, poor Frank and David.

[@swoop1352]

Question: If a Brit went to a diplomatic reception dressed in a kilt, cricket whites, Morris bells, an opera cape with a daffodil pinned to it, _Cernow forever_ shaved into the back of his head and a cloth cap to top it off.....would you ask where he's from or would you ask where on earth he thought he was from? Now look at Fulani's costume and tell me where you think it's from. And don't say "Africa".

[@jonjones4903]

Sounds like you're describing the dress code for the British Empire.

[@Visual_Ghoul]

David Baddiel only apologised for his racist jokes when he had content coming out. Took him 25 years. Jason Lee had those jokes following him around for the rest of his playing career.

[@davidhollins870]

That Lady Hussey stuff is a load of nonsense - the woman making the claims is just an activist and comes from Croydon.

[@steveparker8065]

I'm just so glad we still have a ruling class to pay for - who lord it over us while we sweat and toil just to pay our bills. So glad we didn't evolve beyond a monarchy and are still treated like serfs. Makes me proud to be an illiterate peasant, happy to vote for the continued inequity. *Bows and scrapes*

[@stevec700]

But there is an alternative. Pledge allegiance to the fallen one.

[@steveparker8065]

@@stevec700 I'd rather dangle my nether regions in a pool full of piranha while singing wrecking ball... Religion is a form of control no matter which which side of the pearly gates you envisage...

[@stevec700]

@@steveparker8065 I'm sure the desolate one will contemplate your response.

[@steveparker8065]

@@stevec700 He can stick his horny head up the hole beneath his tail for all I care. Cloven-hoofed bully.

[@stevec700]

@@steveparker8065 A common misconception. The Fallen One was the most beautiful angel in heaven until he was cast dawn by a cruel god. If you bow down and beg for forgiveness now, then you will be shown mercy.

[@David_Jones8112]

If Tim Wilson gave me a hug there would be no words required. That would literally be enough.

[@stevec700]

I'll give you a hug.

[@DD-fc1rv]

Your still not getting out then David? Lol.

[@naysmith5272]

I remember when we were hugging the hoodies. The meaning behind that message seems to be echoing back to us now.

[@christinalogan311]

@David_Jones Yes, it would be enough for me too.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Why on earth would anyone complain because someone - royal or otherwise - made a comment about their performance? It may not have been the right thing to say, but coping with criticism is an essential criteria for any performer! He should not have been offended. He was not entitled to be offended if someone thought his performance below level, regardless of whether it was good or really bad.

[@BigPaul3122]

Criterion.

[@stevebartley8902]

It's not sad it's irrelevant.

[@Arthur_Pint]

I know just how Prince Edward feels, as I’d like to tell him about how his lack of tact, wit and virtually any notable contribution to public life, mark him out as perhaps most uninspiring and ‘cardboard’ Royal ‘hanger-on’ in living memory.

[@Tvjunkieful12]

When the Norwegian Crownprince Håkon married the now Crownprincess Mette his mother, Queen Sonja thought her what a queen to be needed to now. Has Buckingham Palace just thrown Edward and Sophie out as royal stand ins without first teaching them how it is done? It is one thing to go on visits, be shown around and asked questions, then they are the guests, and their job is to respond charmingly and polite - something they are very good at. It is quite something else to host a function, where it is their job to make people feel well and welcome, and at the same time give the appearance of being genuine. I could never do it myself, cause I am far too direct and blunt - but I know the theory of how it is supposed to be done. The point is to make everyone you talk to feel well and welcome. So everything you say has to be positive. The trick is to find something positive to say you know will please the person you are addressing, say it, listen to their reply with interest, and laugh if it is meant as a joke, not stay longer than you can master positive words for them, then spot someone else you have to greet - and when you have left, the first person will feel well and welcome, and think of you as the most kind and charming person in the world. It is all about making people feeling good about themselves, and be happy they came. There is no such thing as a bad party - only poor hosts/hostesses.

[@cmmarsden]

Professor Tim, I hope and pray that Lady Hussey does not die in the next few months of a broken heart, because Madelyn Headley will be to blame for ruining her life.

[@Artstewsimpson]

Lovely analogy with the swan.

[@multitrackers3770]

they got an honest review, what were Baddiel and Frank expecting? Let's keep it real.

[@lamontcranston4436]

Although the Lady Hussey instance is deeply dismaying she did manage to do the job without pubic opprobrium for 60 years. I also think that two established comedians like Skinner and Baddiel should be a little less thin skinned. Maybe the Wessex’s would do better to rehash their patter from 1997 instead of trying too hard, seems to work for others…

[@fabolvaskarika7940]

I agree what you said about the late Queen, but I’m not into small talk myself either, even if I pay the price for not being diplomatic… I know I’m not a royal, but trust me I used to be in trouble a LOT about it.

[@lorraineforster8164]

Skinner and Badiel have a right to their opinion.

[@danmayberry1185]

ER II was always going to be impossible to follow. Her diplomacy was world class, and her sincerity never in doubt.

[@mbontekoe3358]

I think, as I remember that Price Harry aka" spider man" is actually the son of the Prince of Whales and no his brother

[@thomasbradley2225]

Edward caught my notice eons ago when he quit the Marines, though saw him uniformed during Her Majesty's funeral. So, a bit stumped; all the more with Harry's mufti formal mourning dress worn earlier in public before allowance granted. Thought he'd regret his leaving but there isn't anyone who hasn't thought of quitting, but what is done is done.

[@paulmcgrath3248]

Wonderful imagry

[@Romdormer]

Maybe Prince Edward was tired that evening?

[@richardkelly9156]

Professor. The peerage is discrimination. How can you have racism or sexist discrimination when their legal status is discrimination. Just ignore it ignorance

[@farokudahitam]

☺️😷👍

[@markscott2908]

Nobody watches that nowadays

[@graceproby2662]

Everybody is either upset or offended today. You are entitled to an opinion and if you choose to be upset or offended and the comments weren’t meant to offend then that’s up to you. Not you of course. Personally I find the Royal variety performance boring a lot of the time.

[@naysmith5272]

spot-on.