Matt Forde's six work remark to King Charles after Donald Trump joke

Political satirist Matt Forde seemed to spark some Royal amusement during the Royal Variety Performance. Known for his spot-on impressions, Matt lightened the mood with a jest about the spurious allegations repeatedly made by US President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign that illegal immigrants in the small Ohio town of Springfield had allegedly dined on domestic pets.

In the guise of Donald Trump, he quipped: "They're eating the cats, they're eating the dogs," then turning towards the Royal box to cheekily warn King Charles: "Your Majesty King Charles, you are named after a spaniel - be very careful, they'll eat you alive."

To the audience's delight, the monarch was seen chuckling heartily when the cameras panned to him. Sharing a backstage moment post-performance, Matt remarked later, "I thought it would be a waste to impersonate world leaders and not make the use of the head of state."

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Intent on keeping the humour gentle, he added, "But then I didn't want it to be nasty - Trump obviously allows you to say silly things and get things wrong so that felt like the best way to do it."

Regarding the King's reaction which he couldn't discern from the stage, he joked with the monarch afterwards asking, "I hope I haven't committed treason.", reports the Express.

Evidently amused, the King reassured him jokingly, "It turns out I haven't, I don't think. But he said he waited 300 years for that joke to be told. So there you go, I was the one that got to tell it."

Overcoming a personal health battle having recently received the all-clear following treatment for cancer at the base of his spine, Matt described performing at the show as "it was a dream".

"To perform at one of the greatest venues of the world at the most prestigious events in the world is a very special thing," he said. "You just want it to go well so when you think it is going well you don't want it to end.

"This is what you come into performing for, this is what you dream of." Moving on to speak about the King, Matt said: "He felt very alert and full of life."

King Charles arrived at the Royal Variety Performance alone as Queen Camilla stayed at home on doctors' orders as she continues to fight a chest infection that has seen her pull out of several Royal engagements.

A palace spokesperson said Camilla had been advised by doctors to stay at home and rest as she continues to experience some lingering symptoms. A Royal source said 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."

Alan Carr and Amanda Holden hosted the annual charity event, which was jam-packed with musical performances, comedy and magic.

Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, presented a musical number from their new show, The Devil Wears Prada with star Vanessa Williams and its cast, while there was also a performance from the company of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.

Other standout moments included magical performances from Penn and Teller and Stephen Muller, as well as spectacular shows from Cirque Du Soleil and the English National Ballet.