The King was described as "charming and funny" as he attended this year’s Royal Variety Performance solo, due to the Queen's absence as she recovers from a chest infection.
Charles graced the Royal Albert Hall in London for the first time as patron of the Royal Variety charity, following his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II's footsteps.
He arrived alone on Friday evening after Camilla withdrew from the event at the last minute, advised by doctors to rest following her recent chest infection. Show hosts Alan Carr and Amanda Holden expressed gratitude for Charles’ attendance despite his wife’s ongoing illness – and excitement that their comic performances on stage made the monarch laugh.
Holden stated: "His Majesty was amazingly charming – he said we definitely earned our pound that we got paid. We mentioned Her Majesty and wished her well.
"He did so well to be here. He was really funny – I’ve always said out of everyone he’s got the best sense of humour in the whole of the Royal family."
Carr, meeting Charles for the first time post-event, said the King was "really sweet" as he apologised for the Queen’s unexpected absence. "We also got the goss that he was laughing at some of our bits so we’re very happy," he said.
"If you get a laugh, well – that’s what you’re here for."
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson announced prior to the event: "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"With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.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."
A Royal source mentioned the Queen was "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," they added.
The roster of performers included comedians Scott Bennett, Larry Dean, Ellie Taylor, and political comic Matt Forde, whose take on Donald Trump amused the King noticeably.
During his act, Forde delivered a quip about Mr Trump's repeated unfounded claims from his presidential debate with Democrat candidate Kamala Harris concerning illegal immigrants from Haiti in Springfield, Ohio. Mimicking Mr Trump, Forde joked: "They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs!"
He then poked fun directly at the King, still in Trump's voice: "Your Majesty King Charles, you’re named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive."
From the Royal box, King Charles could clearly be seen enjoying a hearty laugh in response.
Speaking after the show, Forde revealed he had a humorous exchange with the King: "I hope I haven’t committed treason", referring to his onstage joke. He added, "It turns out I haven’t, I don’t think".
The King reportedly responded: "He (Charles) said he’d waited 300 years for that joke to be able to be told."
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The evening was packed with performances, including Britain’s Got Talent 2024 winner Sydnie Christmas belting out Imagine Dragons’ hit 'Believer', breathtaking stunts by Cirque du Soleil acrobats, and a rendition from Cameron Mackintosh’s production of 'Oliver!', featuring Jack Philpott as the lead.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish introduced a musical piece from their latest project 'The Devil Wears Prada', inspired by the acclaimed film, starring Vanessa Williams as the formidable fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly.
Funds raised from the event will support members of the entertainment industry requiring care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity this year launching an initiative aimed at aiding those struggling with mental health issues.
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