King Charles was seen in high spirits at the Royal Variety Performance last night, with the monarch appearing to enjoy jokes mocking incoming US President Donald Trump.
Charles, who arrived at the Royal Albert Hall without Queen Camilla, was particularly amused by political satirist Matt Forde’s comedic routine.
The performance marked a rare solo appearance for the King, as the Queen was advised by doctors to stay at the home following a recent chest infection.
During his performance, Forde took aim at Trump’s claims about immigrants from Haiti eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.
King Charles was seen laughing at a joke mocking Donald Trump
Getty
Impersonating the former US President, Forde declared: “They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs.”
The comedian then turned to the royal box, addressing the monarch directly: “Your Majesty King Charles, you are named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.”
The camera caught the King’s enthusiastic response, showing him laughing heartily at the joke despite reportedly maintaining good relations with Trump.
The moment stood in stark contrast to the ongoing tensions between Trump and Prince Harry, who remains embroiled in a visa-related legal dispute in the United States.
King Charles was seen in high spirits at the Royal Variety Performance last night
Getty
Buckingham Palace had earlier announced Queen Camilla’s absence from the event, citing health concerns.
“Following a recent chest infection, The Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms,” the palace statement read.
Doctors advised that after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise rest.
Buckingham Palace confirmed: “With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.”
After Trump sealed his return to the White House by defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris on November 5, the 78-year-old was videoed flicking through a photo album of his 2019 state visit to the UK when he joined the Royal Family for a banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Looking through the book whilst travelling on his private jet, he said: “Here’s Charles, so beautiful.”
Trump added: “Hopefully he’s going to be well because he’s a really good person.
“Camilla is fantastic. You get to know them so well.”