Matt Baker branded ‘excruciating’ as BBC Countryfile fans in uproar over Charles royal rule break: ‘Toe-curling!’
Countryfile host Matt Baker has come under fire from a number of BBC viewers following his conduct in front of royalty during Sunday’s festive special.
In a special one-off edition of the nature programme, Baker and his Countryfile crew were allowed to film within the grounds of Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
Highgrove is the royal residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla where visitors are allowed to peruse over its sprawling gardens and dine at the on-site restaurant, all ran by The King’s Foundation.
This year, Countryfile were invited to film and the likes of Baker, Margherita Taylor, and Adam Henson got to meet staff from His Majesty’s charity and see exactly what goes into Christmas at the royal residence.
It was Baker, however, who was granted permission to meet the king alongside three students taking part in The King’s Foundation’s education programmes using British timber.
Baker accompanied students Lily, Yun, and Miles to meet the king after the trio had crafted bespoke Christmas decorations for His Royal Highness.
“Well, the decorations have been finished. I’ve got changed because we are heading for a festive royal engagement,” Baker told viewers after ditching his scrubs for an elbow-patched blazer and tie.
Baker then joined the students as they made their way to the Christmas Tree erected at Highgrove where Charles joined them moments later.
“Your Majesty. Hello and Merry Christmas,” Baker beamed as the king reached out his hand for a handshake and replied: “Same to you.”
Baker continued: “Can I say a huge thank you for allowing us to celebrate our Countryfile Christmas here. Brilliant staff…”
“No not all,” the king interjected before adding: “I’m touched you want to.”
Baker chuckled at the king’s humble response as he planted a hand on His Majesty’s elbow – seemingly breaking royal protocol by doing so.
Royal etiquette dictates that a reigning monarch should only be touched if there’s a clear invitation to do so.
Charles didn’t seem perturbed, however, as they carried on their chat, with Baker continuing: “Well, do you know, it seems with all the creativity that’s going on around here, Christmas is a very, very special time at Highgrove.”
“Well, I hope you’ve noticed, that’s the great thing,” the king quipped before Baker introduced him to the three students and their festive creations.
“I hope I’ve got an extra strong tree,” Charles joked, to which Baker giggled and answered: “We’ve tried the branches already, Your Majesty.”
As Charles perused the creations, Baker said: “Choose carefully, Your Majesty.”
And as the meeting drew to a close, Baker gushed: “Your Majesty, you must be so proud of everything here and what you’ve created. That vision that you had a long time ago and here it is, all these students. Incredible.”
“The great thing is they’re all interested,” Charles replied. “It’s really (about) trying to maintain the timeless skills that are always needed really. But they’re all rather disappearing so it’s a bit of a battle to keep all the special ones going.”
“Well, it’s wonderful to see you’re doing what you can,” Baker said before bidding farewell: “Thank you, Merry Christmas to all the family!”
While Baker said goodbye to the king and rejoined the students with spirits high, BBC viewers at home were less than pleased with Baker’s royal rule break and conduct in front of the monarch.
Taking issue with Baker’s hand on the arm, one X user hit out: “Cant touch the king #countryfile.”
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And a second sarcastically slammed: “Matt touched His Majesty’s Elbow! Orf to the Tower with the upstart! #countryfile.”
Elsewhere, complaint rained in regarding Baker’s manner, with some accusing the former Blue Peter star of “sycophancy”.
“If Matt Baker gets a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List, we’ll know it was for services to the sycophantic industry #Countryfile,” a third X user criticised before a fourth complained: “Well, Matt Baker, that was truly excruciating #countryfile.”
“Matt Baker’s simpering is just… #countryfile,” a fifth blasted before a sixth weighed in: “Toe-curling sycophancy on #CountryFile #BBC #Highgrove.”
However, the feedback wasn’t all negative as there were several viewers who applauded the show for its royal insight.
One X user waded into the debate: “@BBCCountryfile thank you so much for the wonderful programme from Highgrove.” (sic)