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Ben Elton says sorry after crude rant about the Queen
Updated 13:42pm on 18 Nov 2009Ben Elton apologised for causing offence today after launching into a crude comedy television rant about the Royal Family.
The comedian and writer, who declared his love for the UK yesterday as he denied he was relocating to Australia with his family for good, joked that the Queen was a "sad little old lady" and said the Duke of Edinburgh was a "mad old bigot" in a TV appearance Down Under on Monday.
Appearing on satire show Good News Week, he also joked that the Prince of Wales was a "disillusioned ex-hippy".
But his spokesman said the comments were taken out of context.
He said: "Ben Elton apologises for any offence which may have been caused. The quotes attributed to him have been taken entirely out of context.
"He was making a joke about Australian republicanism, pointing out on a comedy show that the Queen and her family were far more reflective of the modern rainbow population they represented than any other."
In the first half of the "routine", Elton declared his affection for the Queen, the spokesman added.
During the appearance, Elton said: "She's an ordinary lady. That woman represents Britain more than any head of state represents their country... she's a sad little old lady, right.
"She lives in state-sponsored accommodation. Her husband is a mad old bigot that wishes it was still the war."
Describing how "three out of her kids' four marriages have failed", he said "the oldest one is a disillusioned ex-hippy" and "the middle one is a bit of a yob". He also made a joke about the Earl of Wessex.
He added: "I'm just saying that's a bog standard British family in all its rainbow glory. If she had a black one and a disabled one, she would have the full deck. That is a head of state."
Elton, 50, was appearing on the show to promote his new novel Meltdown, about the global financial crisis.
Elton, who has three children with his Australian wife Sophie Gare, said yesterday he wanted to spend some time near the Aussie side of the family.
Reader views (11)
Only people well over 35 can remember Ben Elton as a "radical" stand-up comedian. To the rest of the UK, he's just some bloke who wrote Blackadder and a few shlocky stage musicals and got very, very rich as a result. I thought he hadn't been funny for over 20 years?
This was actually quite amusing though, and if the Royal Family are considered to be off-limits for some gentle humourous criticism, then a LOT of us are guilty of treason?!
- Richard, London UK, 19/11/2009 09:52
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The creator of alternative comedy falls on his backside and begs for forgiveness,this is what happens when the public's taste in humour changes,the mans an imbecile who will name drop at any opportunity.
- Benny Hill, Ashton under'pants., 19/11/2009 09:09
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They always give it away when they are on the downside of their career, these so-called funny men.
In Elton's case, he is on the Down Under side of his career, last stop before jumping the plank on the return journey home, having failed to amuse.
Funny how when he was making it big here, he never mentioned a word of such thoughts.
- Ken.H, Harrow. UK, 18/11/2009 22:47
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Sorry Ben - too little, too late. Close the door behind you.
- Jill, Jersey, 18/11/2009 22:26
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Oh, and he is right.
- Andy Parks, London, UK, 18/11/2009 19:06
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The problem for Ben Elton is sheer envy,Prince Philip is funnier than him !
- Philip, ipswich england, 18/11/2009 17:42
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He was trying to ingratiate himself with his Aussie audience by re-heating some old jokes but forgot that in the modern world news of his sliminess travels.
- Jf, UK + Australia, 18/11/2009 16:29
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He must admire the Queen - he has copied her hairstyle!
- Will, Bristol, 18/11/2009 16:08
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What a silly juvunile boy.
It's just pathetic really.
- Ron Urquhart, UK, 18/11/2009 15:56
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Give me Prince Philips humour over Ben 'PC' Elton anyday.
- Suzie, Brighton, UK, 18/11/2009 14:42
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Ben has more money than talent so excuse his crassness.
- Tallulah, Brighton, UK, 18/11/2009 14:09
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