Prince William surprises Graham Norton Show audience alongside Robert Irwin and Cate Blanchett

Prince William has stunned audiences with an unexpected appearance on The Graham Norton Show, becoming the first British royal to take a seat on the program’s famous red sofa.

The Prince of Wales joined Australian stars Robert Irwin and Cate Blanchett, alongside Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham, for a special episode filmed in the UK on Thursday night.

His appearance had been kept under wraps, with audience members reportedly gasping before erupting into cheers as the future king walked onto the set.

The episode, which airs on the BBC on Friday night (Saturday morning Australian time), was filmed to promote William’s Earthshot Prize, an environmental initiative he launched in 2020.

But it wasn’t all serious conversation, with the 44-year-old royal offering a rare glimpse into his family’s television habits and revealing a surprising obsession shared by his youngest children.

William reveals children’s TV obsession

During the interview, William admitted his family had become hooked on the latest UK series of The Celebrity Traitors.

“I love it, the family love it. Charlotte and Louis are obsessed with it. It’s really good telly,” he said, according to The New Daily.

The prince also opened up about his love of movies, revealing a particular appreciation for Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan.

“His films are fantastic – The Dark Knight series is psychologically dark and deep and I absolutely love that. He takes concepts that are completely out there and makes them incredibly entertaining,” William told host Graham Norton.

The royal also discussed his long-standing support for English Premier League club Aston Villa.

William reportedly joined in with the show’s famous Big Red Chair segment, helping decide whether audience members telling embarrassing stories would be allowed to finish or be tipped backwards.

Prince Harry’s comments amid William rift

William’s television appearance comes just days after his estranged brother Prince Harry opened up about his hopes of reconciling with his family.

Speaking to GQ magazine, the Duke of Sussex acknowledged that family breakdowns were common, adding: “I want it to work out.”

He also said there was already enough drama in the world without continuing family disputes, declaring: “It’s not worth it.”

However, Harry’s spokesperson later clarified that the remarks were “absolutely not intended as a swipe at his brother or any other member of his family”.

The representative stressed the comments were made in a general context and were not directed at the royal family.

Robert Irwin reunites with Prince William

The television appearance also marked another reunion between William and Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin.

The 22-year-old, who serves as a global ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, previously joined the prince aboard an electric bus in London in June to promote the environmental initiative.

At the time, Irwin praised William’s commitment to protecting the planet.

“He’s been doing this for a very long time, and I really think that he’s seen first-hand what it is that the world needs, and I think it’s just fantastic that he uses his platform to unite people,” Irwin told HELLO! magazine.

Blanchett, who sits on the Earthshot Prize Council, and Waddingham, who hosted the initiative’s 2023 awards ceremony in Singapore, also joined the conversation.

According to the BBC, the guests discussed the importance of combining optimism with urgency when addressing climate change.

The Earthshot Prize recognises innovative environmental solutions, awarding five winners £1 million ($AU1.9 million) each year to help expand their work.

This year’s winners will be announced in Mumbai on November 17, with Irwin expected to attend alongside Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek, South African television personality Nomzamo Mbatha and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.