For decades, Keeping Up Appearances has been one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms, a hilarious satire of social climbing and class obsession that has resonated with audiences across generations. But among its most distinguished fans are none other than King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who have long enjoyed the series and even had the opportunity to meet the cast in person.
Their appreciation for the show follows in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, who was known to watch Keeping Up Appearances daily, finding great amusement in the antics of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet"), the overbearing, self-important woman who went to extreme lengths to impress high society. Now, with King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressing their admiration for the show, Keeping Up Appearances has truly earned a royal stamp of approval.
Keeping Up Appearances is a masterpiece of British comedy, centered around the absurdity of class-conscious behavior. The character of Hyacinth Bucket, played by Patricia Routledge, is a social climber obsessed with status, constantly trying (and failing) to associate herself with nobility and the upper class.
For King Charles and Queen Camilla, who have spent their lives immersed in the very world that Hyacinth so desperately aspires to join, the humor of the show must be especially entertaining. They likely see the exaggerated antics of Hyacinth as a lighthearted reflection of real-life social dynamics, making the show all the more enjoyable.
Charles, known for his dry wit and appreciation for classic British humor, and Camilla, who enjoys a good laugh, have reportedly spent many evenings watching Hyacinth’s desperate but hilarious attempts to impress the aristocracy. Her insistence on fine china, formal dinner parties, and grand gestures—all while causing absolute chaos—aligns perfectly with the kind of humor that royals, with their firsthand experience of social etiquette, would find amusing.
Their admiration for the show went beyond simply watching it—they also had the pleasure of meeting the cast in person. During a special event, King Charles and Queen Camilla personally met Patricia Routledge and other members of the cast, expressing their appreciation for the sitcom’s brilliant humor.
For the actors, this royal meeting was an incredible honor. Having their work recognized by the highest level of British society was a testament to Keeping Up Appearances’s cultural impact.
Patricia Routledge, known for her incredible comedic timing and iconic portrayal of Hyacinth, was reportedly delighted to learn that even the King and Queen were avid fans of her work.
The meeting was filled with laughter, with Charles and Camilla sharing their favorite moments from the show. It was a rare occasion where royalty and comedy merged, proving that humor truly knows no boundaries—even within the walls of Buckingham Palace.
One of the reasons Keeping Up Appearances has endured as a classic British sitcom is its sharp commentary on class and social ambition. While the royal family exists at the very top of Britain’s social hierarchy, they are no strangers to the realities of class-conscious behavior—something they’ve encountered countless times throughout their lives.
Queen Camilla, in particular, may have a personal connection to the show’s themes. Before officially becoming a member of the royal family, she experienced public scrutiny regarding her social status.
She likely finds humor in Hyacinth’s exaggerated desperation to fit in, as it mirrors some of the societal expectations that exist within British high society.
For King Charles, who has always championed traditional British values while also embracing change, Keeping Up Appearances represents a nostalgic yet timeless look at British culture, filled with wit and charm.
With both Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles and Queen Camilla having expressed their enjoyment of the show, Keeping Up Appearances has achieved a rare honor—being beloved by multiple generations of the royal family.
Even years after its final episode aired, the show remains a fixture in British comedy, rewatched by millions—including the King and Queen themselves. Its ability to blend sharp social satire with universal humor ensures that it will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
While King Charles and Queen Camilla’s responsibilities include running a nation, meeting world leaders, and maintaining royal traditions, they, like everyone else, appreciate a good laugh at the absurdities of social life.
Their love for Keeping Up Appearances proves that no matter how high one’s position in society, humor is a universal joy. Whether in Buckingham Palace or an ordinary British living room, Hyacinth Bucket’s endless efforts to climb the social ladder continue to bring laughter to all—even to those who sit at the very top of it.
