Preston comedian says royals were 'honoured' to meet him

The comedian, whose real name is Lee Ridley and who is a graduate of the University of Central Lancashire, has cerebral palsy and is unable to speak, but poked fun at his disability as well his talent show win during Monday night's charity gala at the London Palladium.

"Now that I've hit the big time, nothing will shut me up," he said in an electronic voice through a speech app on his tablet. "Unless there is a power cut."

He continued: "Your Royal Highnesses, what a truly incredible honour it has been ... for you both to come face to face with me."

Mr Ridley captured the heart of the UK to win this year's Britain's Got Talent by the public vote, taking home £250,000.

After the Royal Variety Performance, he said it was "amazing" to meet Harry and Meghan, recalling his chat with the duchess.

"She just congratulated me on my win and said how much she enjoyed my performance, which made my day," he said after typing his response.