King laughs at British comedian's Donald Trump impression at Royal Variety Performance

The King was visibly entertained as he chuckled at British comedian Matt Forde's comedic take on President-elect Donald Trump during the proceedings of the Royal Variety Performance.

His Majesty, who graced the Royal Albert Hall in London for his inaugural appearance as the patron of the Royal Variety charity - a role previously held by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II- expressed his acknowledgment in a Buckingham Palace statement: "The charity’s crucial work in assisting those who have fallen ill, had an accident or hit hard times is as essential now as it ever has been.

"I would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to stage this year’s production and wish everyone a very enjoyable evening."

The evening's entertainment included Forde highlighting unsubstantiated assertions that Mr Trump reiterated during his presidential debate with Democrat candidate Kamala Harris earlier in the year, regarding claims of illegal immigrants from Haiti consuming pets in the small Ohio city of Springfield.

Mimicking President-elect Trump, Forde proclaimed, "They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs! " before jestingly addressing King Charles directly from the stage in Mr Trump’s manner of speech: "Your Majesty King Charles, you’re named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive."

The King responded to the ribbing with laughter from the Royal box.

Charles attended the event without the Queen, who insisted that the "show must go on" after withdrawing from the performance on Friday evening due to doctors' advice prioritising rest. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated: "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"With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.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."

A Royal insider revealed the Queen was "naturally disappointed to miss the evening’s entertainments and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that ‘the show must go on'".

"She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon," the source added. The Royal Variety Performance will be broadcasted on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December.

Funds raised from the show will support individuals from the entertainment industry requiring care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative this year to aid those struggling with mental health issues.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.

To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN