King Charles was handed a gift for Queen Camilla (Image: Emily Ferguson/ Express)
King Charles happily chatted to two children this evening at the Royal Variety Performance as he was handed a gift for Queen Camilla – who was forced to pull out of the event
The UK monarch arrived at alone for the first time since becoming patron of the Royal Variety Charity earlier this year.
On arrival at the Royal Albert Hall, His Royal Highness was met by Lord Lieutenant of Greater London Sir Kenneth Olisa, who presented the President of the venue Ian McCulloch and the CEO of the Royal Albert Hall James Ainscough. Charles was then introduced to Giles Cooper OBE, chairman of the Royal Variety Charity, who presented other executives from the charity and ITV.
Mr Cooper told the King how sorry he was to hear that the Queen was unable to join him this evening. The monarch was then introduced to a line of guests including Sir and his husband David Furness, who produced the new hit musical The Devil Wears Prada, and Simon Lipkin and Jack Philpott from Oliver! the musical.
After meeting the guests, Charles was shown an impressive knitted Royal Variety Performance Stage, made by residents of Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity care home in Twickenham.
Before being seated, His Majesty was then handed a programme by Louie Cooper, 10, and a posy meant for the Queen from Iris King-Taylor, eight. The bouquet was picked from the gardens of Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity care home in Twickenham, and reflects the flowers that the Queen carried on her wedding day.
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When handed the programme, the King asked Louis “have you had a look at it?” and the youngster nodded nervously.
He then turned to Mr Cooper and told him: “Very well organised” before making his way to the Royal Box, where he was joined by Mr Cooper OBE and Laurie Mansfield, life president and executive producer.
As the King entered to royal fanfare by state trumpeters, the audience stood and applauded as the national anthem was played for His Majesty.
Once seated, the show began with hosts of the annual charity event Alan Carr and welcoming guests and introducing the first acts.
I’m at the Royal Albert Hall tonight where the King is attending the Royal Variety Performance.He met charity executives, Sir Elton John, David Furness and some of the cast of Oliver.Charles entered the hall to a fanfare and the national anthem.
— Emily Ferguson (@emsferg)
Don’t miss… [DETAIL] [EXPLAIN]
The King arrived at the event alone on Friday night (Image: TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Among the performances set to take place include a musical number from Sir Elton and his husband, David Furnish, performed from their new show The Devil Wears Prada with star Vanessa Williams and its cast.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is also expected to make an appearance with her 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.
The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December.