Ant and Dec scolded while staying with the King: TV favourites admit they were ‘so embarrassed’ after being told to quiet down during royal sleepover

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have revealed an unexpectedly awkward — and hilarious — moment from their time staying at the King’s Scottish country house, admitting they were politely scolded for being too noisy during what was supposed to be a refined royal overnight visit.

The beloved TV duo, best known for their long-running partnership on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent, confessed they were left “so embarrassed” after their late-night antics got a little out of hand while staying at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, a treasured royal residence.

Speaking candidly on The Graham Norton Show on Friday night, Ant, 50, shared the behind-the-scenes story that fans never expected to hear — revealing that even Ant and Dec aren’t immune to being told off, especially when royalty is involved.

A year with Charles — and an unforgettable night

Ant explained that the pair had spent 12 months shadowing King Charles — then the Prince of Wales — while filming a documentary, during which they formed a warm and friendly relationship with him.

“We were following him for a year for a TV show and got on really well with him,” Ant recalled.
“So when we were invited to stay overnight at his house ahead of the final interview, we were like: ‘Hell, yes!’”

According to Ant, the experience was everything they imagined — elegant, historic and deeply surreal.

“It was amazing. Proper royal. Everything you’d expect,” he said.

But the night quickly took a turn from regal to ridiculous.

The robe, the corridor — and royal embarrassment

In one particularly cringe-worthy moment, Ant revealed he couldn’t resist trying on the luxurious robe laid out in his room.

“I put the robe on and ran out into the corridor to find Dec,” he laughed.
“And then suddenly — there’s the Prince.”

Rather than laughing it off, Ant found himself in an unexpectedly serious conversation.

“He said ‘hello’ and started talking to me about pruning roses,” Ant admitted.
“I was standing there in a robe, talking about gardening. I was so embarrassed.”

Dec confirmed the moment was as awkward as it sounded — and the embarrassment didn’t end there.

‘We took it too far’ — told to be quiet at the King’s house

After settling into their rooms, the pair opened a bottle of wine and began chatting, laughing, and doing what Ant and Dec do best — entertaining each other.

But royal walls, it turns out, don’t muffle Geordie banter very well.

“We had wine in the room and got a bit noisy,” Dec confessed.
“We took it a bit far.”

Before long, the duo received a gentle but unmistakable message: quiet down.

Yes — Ant and Dec were officially scolded during their stay at the King’s house.

“It was mortifying,” Ant admitted.
“Absolutely mortifying.”

Fans in the audience roared with laughter as the pair recalled the moment they realised even their legendary chemistry had limits — especially under a royal roof.

Still just two mates — even after royalty

Despite the embarrassment, both Ant and Dec spoke warmly about King Charles, describing him as approachable, kind, and unexpectedly easy to talk to.

Their Graham Norton appearance also touched on their new podcast venture, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, where they promise candid chats and behind-the-scenes stories — though not without some concern from their wives.

“We know each other inside out,” Dec said.
“Our wives are more nervous than us — they think we might give too much away.”

Ant laughed:
“It really is just two mates catching up.”

Proof that even TV royalty can be humbled

The story has delighted fans online, with many calling it “peak Ant and Dec” and praising the pair for sharing such a human, self-deprecating moment — even when it involved the King himself.

From being household names to being told to keep the noise down at a royal residence, Ant and Dec’s confession proves one thing: no matter how famous you are, a sleepover at the King’s house still comes with rules.

And for Ant and Dec, it’s a memory they’ll never live down — even if they laugh about it now.