The Project's Michael Hing scolded over 'tasteless' royal joke

The Project's new panellist Michael Hing has been chastised by viewers after he made a controversial joke while discussing the Queen's death.

Channel 10 announced the Triple J Drive host and comedian would be part of the show's 2023 line-up after Lisa Wilkinson, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Hellliar all left the show earlier this year, and he's clearly making waves already.

While discussing the year's events with co-star Kate Langbroek on Tuesday night's program, Michael joked he wished Prince Andrew was dead.

“2022 was so depressing, obviously, the Queen died, but maybe next year will be better and Prince Andrew will die,” he said.

The crowd groaned and Michael doubled down on his comments.

"Oh come on, you're defending Prince Andrew now?" he responded.

His co-hosts however laughed and panellist Georgie Tunny suggested it was going to be a "big night on Twitter" following the comments.

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People did later take to the social media platform the slam The Project host for his controversial comment.

"Calling for someone to die is totally inappropriate on any TV show no matter what you think Michael Hing #theprojecttv," one said.

"Sack Michael Hing immediately. Disgraceful statement on TV," another commented.

"When is Michael Hing being fired?" a third questioned.

"Overshadowed by tasteless remarks, unfortunately," another viewer commented about the show following the comment.

Earlier this year Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles after reaching a settlement with sexual abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre.

He was stripped of his military titles as well as the Freedom of the City of York title, one of the highest honours.

Prince Andrew was awarded the Freedom of the City of York title in a grand ceremony in 1987 after he married Sarah Ferguson.

Andrew stepped down from public life after being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by the Queen in January.

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