Awkward moment comedian cracks Prince Philip joke before realising he had died

Comedian makes joke about Prince Philip before discovering he has died. Video / Lewis Spears

This could have been the best or worst thing to happen to his stand-up career.

Australian comedian Lewis Spears was halfway through a joke ridiculing Prince Philip, when an audience member yelled out that he had "died tonight".

Spears, 27, couldn't believe his ears when the audience member brought the news to his attention.

"Oh, can you believe that the royals are bad people? Yes! They live in castles. Of course they're not very nice. Have you guys not seen Shrek?" he began.

"Have you guys seen Prince Philip?" he continued. "He is 3000 years old. I'm pretty sure he invented racism."

After learning about the Duke of Edinburgh's fate, Spears was in disbelief. "What?!" he exclaimed, reading a news announcement of an audience member's phone.

Read More

• Prince Philip vs Philip of The Crown: Fact and fiction - NZ Herald
• BAFTAs pays tribute to Prince Philip, Nomadland big winner - NZ Herald
• The truth behind that viral photo of Queen Elizabeth II giggling with Prince Philip - NZ Herald
• Prince Philip death: Emotional moment BBC newsreader breaks the news - NZ Herald

"I have to say … it's been overdue," he added.

"Are we sure he died today? I reckon he died 10 years ago and they wheel him out attached to strings at special events!"

Hours later, Spears tweeted, "Prince Philip died DURING my show tonight. Clip coming soon."

The royal family announced Prince Philip's death on Friday, saying in a statement, "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course.

Just after Lewis Spears made a joke ridiculing Prince Philip, an audience member pointed out that the Duke of Edinburgh had died. Photo / Lewis Spears

"The royal family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

On Monday, Prince Andrew spoke public paying tribute to his father.

Andrew and his brother Prince Edward were at a service for members of the royal family in the chapel at Royal Lodge Windsor.

Andrew described the death of his father as a "terrible loss" and an "enormous change".

The 62-year-old, who has been described in some reports as looking "exhausted", said the Queen was "incredibly stoic, as you would expect".

Last week Prince Philip passed away peacefully at home aged 99. Photo / Getty Images

He said the Queen described his death as "a miracle" and she has spent her time since Philip's death "contemplating".

"She described it as having left this huge void in her life," he said.

He revealed the family had been rallying around their 94-year-old mother "to make sure we're there".

"He was a remarkable man," Andrew said.

"I loved him as a father, he was so, calm. If you had a problem, he would think about it. He was always someone you could go to and he would always listen. It's a great loss."