King Charles attended the Royal Variety Performance alone at London's Royal Albert Hall on Friday evening, after Queen Camilla was forced to withdraw due to ongoing health concerns.
The 76-year-old monarch made his first appearance at the show as patron of the Royal Variety Charity, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Camilla, 77, remained at home on doctors' advice as she continues to experience lingering symptoms from a recent chest infection.
In a touching moment, the King accepted flowers on behalf of the absent Queen from eight-year-old Iris King-Taylor and ten-year-old Louie Cooper as he arrived at the venue.
King Charles attended the Royal Variety Performance alone at London's Royal Albert Hall on Friday evening, after Queen Camilla was forced to withdraw due to ongoing health concerns
PA/Getty
The posies, having been picked from the gardens of the Royal Variety Charity's nursing home in Twickenham Brinsworth House, mirrored the blooms carried by Queen Camilla on her wedding day.
Show hosts Alan Carr and Amanda Holden expressed their delight at the King's presence despite his wife's absence.
"His Majesty was amazingly charming – he said we definitely earned our pound that we got paid," Holden remarked, adding: "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, said the King was "really sweet" as he apologised for the Queen's absence.
King Charles accepted flowers on behalf of the absent Queen from eight-year-old Iris King-Taylor and ten-year-old Louie Cooper
PA
"We also got the goss that he was laughing at some of our bits so we're very happy," Carr added.
Political comedian Matt Forde's impression of Donald Trump drew an amused reaction from the King during the performance.
The star-studded evening featured performances from Sir Elton John and David Furnish's new West End adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, starring Vanessa Williams.
Other highlights included Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas performing "Believer" and numbers from Cameron Mackintosh's production of Oliver!.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Show hosts Alan Carr and Amanda Holden expressed their delight at the King's presence despite his wife's absence
Getty
The event supports the Royal Variety Charity, which assists entertainment industry professionals in need of care and assistance.
This year, the charity has launched a new initiative specifically focused on supporting those with mental health issues.
Queen Camilla was advised by her doctors to miss the event as health fears concerning her recent chest infection linger.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman 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."
