Prince William Zoom call with Stephen Fry as Lord Melchett in Big Night In TV fundraiser

Stephen Fry reprised his iconic role as Lord Melchett to take a Zoom call with Prince William in a hilarious Blackadder sketch for The Big Night In coronavirus fundraiser.

Melchett paced around his office impatiently waiting for the Duke to call in, quipping: ‘I thought Germans were meant to be punctual’. 

Apologising, William said Zoom was ‘complicated stuff’, later revealing homeschooling Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte is proving a ‘bit of a nightmare’ in lockdown. 

The Duke said he is struggling to cope with not being able to watch EastEnders, but refused the Blackadder star’s recommendation of trying Netflix sensation Tiger King instead, adding: ‘I tend to avoid shows about royalty.’  

After their virtual exchange, Melchett reminded William to go out and clap for the NHS at 8pm. The show then cut to the Cambridges clapping on their doorstep as part of the weekly show of gratitude for health and social care workers. 

Tonight’s Big Night In raised a staggering £27,398,675 for charity, with the Government offering to double it and take the total to nearly £60million.  

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The Duke is a big fan of Blackadder – the comedy romp through history that also starred Rowan Atkinson and Sir Tony Robinson – and was keen to take part in the sketch when asked by the BBC.

Love Actually director Richard Curtis, who co-wrote the hit series with Ben Elton, penned the pre-recorded skit that ran for almost two minutes.

As the Prince struggled to get to grips with the technology, Melchett said under his breath: ‘Oh come on, even five-year-olds have mastered Zoom.’

When they were finally connected Melchett explained he was self-isolating with Blackadder and Baldrick.

He offered to help with the royals’ homeschooling programme, saying: ‘Well I’d be delighted to help if I can, what subjects are on the curriculum?’ 

William asked: ‘What about history?’, to which Melchett replied: ‘Well I’m not too bad on kings and queens, but then I’m guessing that might also be your strong point.’

Pointing out there was just one minute to go until the weekly 8pm ‘Clap for carers’, William said: ‘Thanks very much, I’ll go and get the family together.’

But before he went, he added: ‘By the way have you seen anything good on TV? It’s hell without EastEnders.’

Melchett replied: ‘I’ve heard Tiger King is quite good,’ but the Prince said: ‘I tend to avoid show about royalty.’

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were also featured in a video posted on their official Twitter account clapping for carers outside the front door of their Scottish home Birkhall. 

NHS, BBC One, Children in Need and Comic Relief decided to put on the TV fundraiser to lift the nation’s spirits and collect money for those made most vulnerable by the coronavirus outbreak. 

The show was presented live from The One Show studio in London by Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Matt Baker and Paddy McGuinness.   

The hosts kicked off the programme by assuring viewers they and all their crew are observing social distancing. 

Tonight’s line-up included musical performances by the likes of Sam Smith, Liam Payne and Rita Ora and comedy sketches from Miranda Hart and Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

Kicking off the programme at 7pm Sir Lenny said: ‘It’s 7 O’Clock on Thursday, or is it Sunday? Who knows anymore, I’m just glad to be wearing trousers.’ 

Asked why Children In Need mascot Pudsey Bear was absent, he joked he had been ‘furloughed’.  

While his co-host Davina McCall told viewers: ‘Put down that banana bread, stop that online quiz, and prepare to be entertained.  

Viewers donated to help support vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis.

Funds raised tonight will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need.  

Chancellor Rishi Sunak, announced last week that the UK Treasury would match pound for pound any contributions the public raise on the show. 

He said in a clip recorded for the show: ‘Hi everyone, I know these are difficult times. Look we’re all worried, worried about our health, our friends our family.

‘But I also think we will look back and remember that at this time of crisis that we came together as a country.

‘We were there for each other and that’s what the Big Night In is all about, I am so grateful to everyone who has donated tonight and don’t forget that the government has pledged to match every pound you donate so please do give generously.

‘After all, what better way to mark four weeks of staying in and watching TV than well… staying in and watching TV. Enjoy the rest of the show and stay safe.’

Davina added that the first £20million of the matched money will go to the National Emergencies Trust that was launched by Prince William to help people all across the UK affected by the pandemic.

All matched funding after this amount will go to Children In and Comic Relief, she added.