Ant and Dec: Britain’s Got Talent presenters thought invite to King Charles III’s coronation was a ‘wind-up’

Ant and Dec have admitted they thought their invitation to King Charles III’s Coronation was a wind-up. The TV presenting duo hailing from Newcastle were in attendance as the 74-year-old monarch was enthroned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May.

They were among stars including singer Lionel Richie and magician Dynamo, as well as Katy Perry and Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones. However, the pair were convinced it was an act of revenge for a prank they had pulled on a famous face over the years.

The Geordie duo were interviewed on Good Morning Britain before taking their seats at Westminster Abbey. "We’re very proud and privileged, I think, to be invited to a coronation. It’s a wonderful day!" Ant McPartlin told ITV News, before Dec Donnelly chipped in with: "It’s quite surreal though, isn’t it?! To get the invite through to come to a coronation. I was like, ‘This has gotta be a wind-up’. Somebody has surely thought it’s our time to be wound up, and this is it. But no, it was for real, and here we are. Can’t quite believe it."

Ant and Dec, known for their roles on Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, are goodwill ambassadors for the Prince’s Trust. The charity was founded by King Charles III in 1976 and has helped millions of vulnerable young people get their lives on track. They have hosted The Prince’s Trust Awards 10 times and recently worked with the charity on a course to make the media industry more accessible.

Ant said: “Our Making It In Media course with The Prince’s Trust is a real passion project for us. There are so many roles in TV and media that young people may have never considered as a career. We want to help young people find out more about the industry.”

Dec said: “We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with the Prince’s Trust on this project over the last two years – and we hope we can help change many more young lives together in the years ahead.”