Lee Mack is either the best or worst person on this year's Royal Variety Performance. The wisecracking host split viewers who offered their opinions on social media.

Some tweeted that they thought he had "poshed up" his voice for Prince Edward and Sophie the Countess of Wessex, who were in the audience. Mack also referenced them in a joke.

“I’ve got three kids. The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it? No disrespect...” he added.

“There goes the knighthood,” Mack continued. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”

He also looked in their direction when he said: "I look forward to meeting you both after the show. I've been told all about Royal etiquette. I don't want to make the mistake I made on my first Royal Variety Performance in 2002. Apparently when meeting the Royal family, you should bow your head just at the neck and you never offer your hand until you've been offered it by them. And the number one rule which I got wrong last time was to never kiss them on the lips. Honestly, I thought Prince Philip was going to punch my lights out."

Some thought maybe it was too soon to make a joke like this in the year of the Queen's death. 

Some thought he was hilarious. Others thought he was as much fun as watching paint dry.

Suzi Pugh tweeted: "I am watching an acrobat doing an unbelievable performance with a tower of chairs on #RoyalVarietyPerformance . Such an amazing talent...the flexibillty, strength, confidence and powerful agility. Doing a great job hosting #LeeMack"

jassyblue80 tweeted: "Just flicking through channels... saw lee mack looking like he was half asleep introduce a magic act described as the rock act of magic... probably one of the most boring & worst acts I've seen... I include kids got your nose "magic" in that!"

Dave Miller: "#RoyalVarietyPerformance how poor is this. I've grown up with it and always enjoyed it, but sadly it has to be scrapped. Look at the line up, only @Cirque du Soleil is worthy. I like @LeeMack but even he is embarrassing himself. Very sad"

Comedy guests also included Al Murray and Maisie Adam.