King Charles III attends the Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall on November 22, 2024 © Samir Hussein

King Charles makes solo appearance at Royal Variety Performance as Queen Camilla pulls out - best photos

His Majesty enjoyed a star-studded night at London's Royal Albert Hall

Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
Updated: 6 hours ago

The King stepped out for a star-studded soiree at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday night. The monarch was due to appear alongside Queen Camilla, however, the 77-year-old withdrew at the last minute as she continues to recover from an earlier chest infection.

It marked the first time Charles attended the annual Royal Variety Performance as patron of the Royal Variety Charity, which helps members of the entertainment industry in the UK who need help and assistance.

The monarch, 76, looked smart dressed in a black tuxedo for the outing. The royal kept warm on the chilly November evening with a black coat.

© Samir Hussein

King Charles III arrives at the Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall

The King was treated to performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and James Bay, with Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish presenting a musical number from their new show The Devil Wears Prada with star Vanessa Williams and its cast.

The event was hosted by comedian Alan Carr and TV presenter Amanda Holden, with Alan saying he was "completely thrilled" to be on duty ahead of the night.

© Victoria Jones/Shutterstock

Charles attended without Camilla

Charles also saw magic from Penn and Teller and Stephen Mulhern, along with a performance from Cirque Du Soleil and the English National Ballet.

There was also an exclusive medley from Sir Cameron Mackintosh's production of the musical Oliver! and a performance from the company of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.

© TOBY MELVILLE

Britain's King Charles III (L) attends the Royal Variety Performance

Money raised from the show will go to help people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative to help those with mental health issues this year.

The show will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December.

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© TOBY MELVILLE

National anthem

King Charles III stands with Giles Cooper, chair of the Royal Variety Charity, as the national anthem is played

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© ITV/Shutterstock

The King and Elton

During his time at the show, the King met Sir Elton John alongside his husband David Furnish.

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© TOBY MELVILLE

West End stars

King Charles met the young performers of the West End's Oliver!

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© ITV/Shutterstock

A programme for the King

The King told 10-year-old Louie Cooper he was "very well organised" when the youngster handed him a programme.

The monarch also accepted a bouquet of flowers from eight-year-old Iris King-Taylor, that was originally intended for the Queen.

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© ITV/Shutterstock

Amanda Holden

Show host Amanda Holden looked dazzling at the event, wearing a striking bejewelled green crop top. She finished her look off with a mint green skirt.

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© ITV/Shutterstock

Alan Carr

Alan co-hosted alongside Amanda and the comedian looked the part in a black tuxedo. And we love the unique lizard brooch!

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© PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Lorraine Kelly

Queen of Daytime TV Lorraine looked wonderful in a pink sequin jacket and a shirt saying: 'Love is all around'.

Lorraine is performing at the event in the Change And Check Choir, a choir made up of women who detected breast cancer thanks to the TV presenter.

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© ITV/Shutterstock

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Sophie Ellis-Bexter looked absolutely gorgeous at the event in a stylish black dress.

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© ITV/Shutterstock

Penn and Teller

Penn and Teller rocked tweed suits ahead of their magical performance at the event.

LISTEN: Inside Camilla's big TV moment

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