King Charles III made a charming and funny appearance at this year’s Royal Variety Performance, attending the event alone as the Queen was unable to attend due to a chest infection. The King graced the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the first time as the patron of the Royal Variety charity, following in his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s, footsteps.
Arriving solo on Friday evening, Charles’s wife Camilla had to pull out of the event last minute on doctors’ orders to rest after her recent chest infection. Show hosts Alan Carr and Amanda Holden expressed gratitude for the King’s presence despite his wife’s absence and were thrilled to hear their comedic performances elicited laughter from the monarch. Reflecting on the experience, Holden praised Charles for his charming and humorous demeanour.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson shared that the Queen, still recovering from post-viral symptoms following her chest infection, had to prioritise rest and, with regret, opted out of the Royal Variety Performance. The King graciously attended in her place. A royal source revealed the Queen’s disappointment at missing the event but upheld the belief that ‘the show must go on’, aiming to return to full strength for public duties soon.
The night’s performances included comedians Scott Bennett, Larry Dean, Ellie Taylor, and political comic Matt Forde, whose jest about Donald Trump’s claims regarding immigrants drew a chuckle from the King. The event featured a range of acts, including Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, Cirque du Soleil acrobats, and musical numbers from Oliver! and The Devil Wears Prada, presented by Sir Elton John, David Furnish, and Vanessa Williams.
Money raised from the Royal Variety Performance will support individuals in the entertainment industry requiring care and assistance, with a particular focus this year on mental health initiatives. The Royal Variety Charity remains committed to aiding those in need within the entertainment community. Attendees and performers alike expressed gratitude for the King’s attendance and the continued support for such charitable causes.
Despite the absence of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Variety Performance was a resounding success, with attendees and performers appreciating King Charles III’s presence and his engagement with the evening’s entertainment. The event highlighted the importance of charitable initiatives within the entertainment industry and showcased the resilience and spirit of the royal family in fulfilling their patronage duties. Supporters of the Royal Variety Charity can look forward to the positive impact of the funds raised on those in need within the entertainment sector.