he Duke of Cambridge will tonight praise viewers who past calendar year lifted hundreds of thousands of lbs . for Comic Relief – the BBC’s yearly fundraising night of comedy.

In a video clip message for Comedian Aid, which is broadcast through Firday evening, Prince William praised Brits for aiding increase £74 million for Comedian Aid previous calendar year.

Comedian Relief was element at the rear of a exclusive fundraiser in April 2020, referred to as The Significant Evening In. Money had been break up among Comic Aid, BBC Children in Need to have and the National Emergencies Rely on, which he supports as patron.

The duke will say in his video clip message: “Your incredible generosity elevated above £74 million for so several amazing charities, together with the Countrywide Emergencies Have confidence in, at a time when Covid was first really taking its toll.

“Thank you all so considerably.”

William’s concept will introduce a strong movie that highlights the substantial enhance in the variety of people today enduring psychological overall health challenges around the previous 12 months and the support remaining furnished by organisations funded by Comedian Aid

William starred in a Blackadder sketch with Stephen Fry all through the Large Night time In and joked about dwelling education his children.

Comedian Relief’s Night of Television set started off at 7pm on BBC One.

Dawn French kicked off proceedings by singing Lizzo tune Juice as her character Geraldine from The Vicar Of Dibley.

Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Jodie Whittaker then featured in a sketch for the programme.

The stars showcased in a joke trailer for the movie 2020 The Movie – about the activities of the past 12 months.