Dame Patricia Routledge, the celebrated actress behind the iconic role of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, has shared an unexpected revelation that has left many in shock: Pope Benedict, the late pontiff, was reportedly a fan of the beloved BBC sitcom.

Known for his snobbish character and her hilarious mispronunciation of her surname, Hyacinth’s antics seemed to capture the attention of high-profile figures, with Pope Benedict said to be one of the most unlikely admirers.

Routledge, now 93, opened up about this surprising piece of information in a documentary special titled Keeping Up Appearances: 30 Years of Laughs, which aired on Channel 5. She mentioned that it was widely rumored that Pope Benedict had a personal connection with the show, specifically an affinity for Hyacinth’s iconic telephone catchphrase, “Hello, this is the Bouquet residence.”

According to Dame Patricia, the late Pope Benedict was known to occasionally do an impression of Hyacinth’s voice, further cementing his unexpected fondness for the show.

The revelation that the Pope enjoyed a light-hearted British sitcom might raise eyebrows, but it also adds a fascinating layer to the international appeal of Keeping Up Appearances. The show, which originally aired from 1990 to 1995, became a cultural staple, loved by fans of all ages.

Hyacinth Bucket’s relentless attempts at maintaining her social status and her hilarious misunderstandings of “high society” struck a chord with viewers across the globe, including those in the highest echelons of power.

In the documentary, Dame Patricia also revealed that Keeping Up Appearances had a number of other famous admirers, some of whom were close to the British royal family. Both Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II were said to be fans of the sitcom, with the Queen Mother allegedly finding joy in the humor and charm that Hyacinth brought to the screen.

Queen Elizabeth, too, was reportedly among the viewers who enjoyed the antics of the ever-dramatic character. According to Dame Patricia, hearing that the royals enjoyed the show was a tremendous honor.

The acknowledgment of Keeping Up Appearances among such esteemed figures further reinforces the show’s place in British television history. Hyacinth Bucket, a character who would go to any lengths to maintain her supposed “class,” became a symbol of the show’s sharp wit, making it an enduring favorite even decades after it aired.

In fact, Keeping Up Appearances still enjoys frequent reruns, introducing the hilariously flawed character of Hyacinth to new generations of viewers, ensuring her place in the pantheon of classic British sitcoms.

Despite the humor, Dame Patricia also pointed out that it was not just the rich characters and their antics that made Keeping Up Appearances so appealing. It was also the warmth and underlying humanity of the characters that resonated with audiences.

Even though Hyacinth was obsessed with social appearances and would go to great lengths to maintain her status, she was also shown as someone who, at her core, was simply seeking acceptance and recognition—a theme that many viewers could relate to, regardless of their background.

While it might be surprising to hear that such a high-profile and serious figure like Pope Benedict had a soft spot for a British sitcom, it’s a testament to the universal appeal of good comedy. The humor of Keeping Up Appearances was not bound by class or location—it could bring people from all walks of life together, from members of the British royal family to the Vatican.

And, as Dame Patricia humorously pointed out, Hyacinth would have been “flattered beyond words” to know that even Pope Benedict had enjoyed her character’s antics.

The news of Pope Benedict’s reported fondness for Keeping Up Appearances comes after his passing on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95. The former pontiff had retired from the papacy a decade prior and had been in increasingly frail health before his death.

His passing marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church, with current Pope Francis eulogizing his predecessor during the funeral services earlier this year.

Whether or not the rumors about Pope Benedict’s fondness for Keeping Up Appearances are true, they certainly add an intriguing dimension to the show’s cultural impact. For Dame Patricia Routledge, the news serves as a reminder of how far-reaching the show’s influence has been.

And for fans of the sitcom, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the unexpected places where Hyacinth Bucket’s charm has left its mark.