It’s a Royal Knockout (Grand Knockout Tournament)
It’s a Royal Knockout (officially entitled, The Grand Knockout Tournament) was a one-off charity event which was shown on British television on 15 June 1987.
The event was staged on the lakeside lawn of the Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire, England.
The show featured members of the British Royal Family alongside sporting and showbiz celebrities including Jane Seymour, John Travolta, Mel Smith, Christopher Reeve, Michael Palin, Meat Loaf, George Lazenby, Kevin Kline, John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Cross, Jenny Agutter, Cliff Richard, Jennifer O’Neill, Ian Charleson, Margot Kidder, Helen Shaver, Alexander Sharkey, Michael Brandon and Anthony Andrews.
It was conceived and organised by Prince Edward who had been keen to develop a career in TV and theatre after he left the Royal Marines. The show featured Prince Edward, The Princess Royal, The Duke and The Duchess of York as team captains, each of whom supported a different charity. (via Wikipedia)
Videos:
The 1st Game – Call Out The Guard
Knock A Knight – Part 1
Knock A Knight – Part 2
Interesting Reading:
The Grand Knockout Tournament (entry) – Internet Movie Database
The participation of members of the Royal Family in this charity event sparked outcry from those who felt this was not a dignified venue for them…
It’s A Knockout (profile) – UK Gameshows
In a nothing-short-of-bizarre twist, the Royal Family took part in a special Grand Knockout Tournament in 1987…
The Truth behind It’s A Royal Knock-Out – Knockout Central
It’s A Royal Knock-Out was Edward’s first big attempt at show-biz. He probably wishes he’d never come up with the idea. But he did. And you know what? Like everything, it was a learning experience…
It’s a royal cock-up – The Guardian
Few were surprised when Prince Edward announced that his career in TV was over. The only mystery was how it had lasted so long…
