King Charles made a solo appearance at the Royal Variety Performance this evening.
His outing comes after it was announced that Queen Camilla would be missing the annual event due to an ongoing chest infection. In recent weeks, the Queen, 77, has reduced her official duties after becoming ill. It's believed that Her Majesty is still suffering from lingering symptoms after contracting the infection.
Earlier today, a spokesperson for The King and Queen said: "Following a recent chest infection, The Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest.
"With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight's Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned." Despite reducing her duties, the Queen joined her husband the King and her son-in-law, Prince William for diplomatic receptions on Tuesday night, while also attending events on Wednesday and Thursday.
It's believed that the Queen will remain at Clarence House, her London residence, before she and His Majesty return to Sandringham, their private Norfolk estate. This week medics had been closely monitoring her recovery from the nasty chest infection and were taking each engagement as they came.
However, today, the Queen is said to be feeling under the weather today and a royal source told the Express that Her Majesty is "naturally disappointed to miss the evening's entertainments, and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that 'the show must go on'. She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon."
This year, the Royal Variety Performance has two new hosts – Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have replaced Bradley Walsh hosted the event last year. The King will see performances from the likes of Britain's Got Talent winner, Sydnie Christmas, the cast of Oliver! and Starlight Express.
Sir Elton John, a close friend of Princes William and Harry, alongside his husband David Furnish will also introduce the performance for The Devil Wears Prada, which features actress Vanessa Williams. Elsewhere, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nemo and James Bay will also take to the stage.
Meanwhile, to celebrate the 40th anniversary, Cirque Du Soleil will perform a world exclusive from their Las Vegas 'Ovo' show, while the English National Ballet will perform their routine of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from the production, Nutcracker. But it's not just music and theatre that The King will be treated to.
Comedian Ellie Taylor will be cracking jokes out, with America's Penn and Teller flying in for the special occasion. Deal Or No Deal host Stephen Mulhern will also impress the King with an illusion.
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