King 'charming and funny' as he attends Royal Variety Performance alone after Queen skips event

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest."With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.