The Royal Variety Performance viewers baffled on Wednesday night when they noticed that Prince Edward wasn’t singing the national anthem.

The youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Edward and his wife Sophie, The Countess of Wessex were the Royal Family guests of honour for 2022.

While the Queen had not attended the event since 2012, this year marked the first time it was held since her death aged 96 in September.

With her eldest son Charles now King, it meant this was the first time the new national anthem was performed at the event, now sung as God Save the King rather than the Queen.

But although Edward and Sophie were there representing the royals, eagle-eyed viewers couldn’t help but notice, and point out that he wasn’t singing it at all.

While Sophie was seen mouthing the words, her husband stood there staring out into the Royal Albert Hall.

Prince Edward and Sophie represented the Royal family at the event (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Edward wasn’t singing the anthem when captured on camera though (Picture: ITV)

Posting on Twitter, one viewer asked: ‘I thought it was lovely to see Prince Edward and Countess of Wessex out supporting Charles and William as everyone can’t be everywhere at once they need to share the chores so to speak but noticed Prince Edward not singing National Anthem, very tight lipped, What’s that all about?.’

‘Why did Sophie the Countess of Wessex sing the national anthem but Edward didn’t?,’ another questioned.

‘Did Edward think he was King during the National Anthem? Isn’t he supposed to sing too?,’ was another comment levelled at him.

Another went so far as to call it ‘disgraceful’ that he was not singing.

The national anthem now references King Charles (Picture: PA)

However others were a little more kind and didn’t seem to care and were just happy to see the show go ahead with some royals attending.

A staple in the Royal family calendar since it was launched by King George V in 1912, this year’s festivities were hosted by comedian Lee Mack and featured performances from David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Britain’s Got Talent winner Axel Blake.

More: Trending

Halfway through the special, a touching tribute was made to Her Majesty with a moving montage during her 70-year reign.

There was also a tribute to performers that also passed away this year, including Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Spector, Meat Loaf, Betty White, Tom Parker, Dame Angela Lansbury and Dame Olivia Newton John.

The Royal Variety Performance 2022 is available to stream on ITVX.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Lee Mack pokes fun at Prince Edward to his face during Royal Variety Performance: ‘There goes the knighthood!’

MORE : Lee Mack rehearsed Royal Variety Performance at local comedy club and gave audience members jobs

He wasn’t singing at all when the cameras turned to him.