The King has been having fun at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance this evening – and cracking up at a Donald Trump joke made by political satirist Matt Forde.
The comedian, who is known for his impressions, joked about the unfounded claims that US President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly made during the campaign that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating locals’ pets in the small Ohio city of Springfield.
Imitating Donald Trump, he said: “They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs,” before turning to look at the royal box and addressing the King as part of his joke.
He said: “Your Majesty King Charles, you are named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.”
The camera spanned to the monarch, who laughed enthusiastically at the joke in good humour, despite reportedly being on good terms with Trump, unlike his son Prince Harry who is still the subject of ongoing visa rows in the US.
The King is the only Royal to attend the Royal Variety Performance this evening after Queen Camilla had to pull out of the event.
In an earlier announcement on Friday, Buckingham Palace 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“With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.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.”
Earlier in the evening after walking the red carpet alone, the King was handed a bouquet of flowers by a young girl in the Royal Albert Hall to give to the Queen when he arrives home.
The flowers, picked from Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity care home in Twickenham, reflect those that featured in her wedding bouquet.
As well as watching comedic performances tonight, the King will also be able to watch a number of musical acts including a song from Lorraine Kelly’s Change and Check Choir, led by Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow.
They will perform “Love Is All Around”, which is being re-released to raise awareness of breast cancer early detection. The choir is made up of women from across the UK who detected their breast cancer through Kelly’s campaign, and some surprise special guests.
Sir Elton and his husband, David Furnish, will also present a musical number from their new show, The Devil Wears Prada with the cast. The King met Sir Elton and his husband earlier this evening before the performance began.