King Charles in fits of giggles over comedian's cheeky joke

King Charles has been left in fits of giggles over a comedian's cheeky joke at the Royal Variety Performance.

The monarch seemed delighted to see the stars at tonight's performance, despite having to attend without Queen Camilla.

Political satirist Matt Forde, who is known for his impressions, joked about unfounded claims made by Donald Trump during the recent presidential campaign that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating locals' pets in the small Ohio city of Springfield.

Imitating Donald Trump, he said: 'They're eating the cats, they're eating the dogs,' before turning to look at the royal box and address the King.

'Your Majesty King Charles, you are named after a spaniel - be very careful, they'll eat you alive.'

The camera spanned to the monarch, who laughed enthusiastically.

Looking smart in a crisp dinner jacket, the monarch also laughed earlier as he entered the Royal Albert Hall - and was met by Sir Elton John.

The Trump joke stems from a comment the US president-elect made during a debate with Kamala Harris.

He said: 'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs.

'The people that came in – they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country.'

The debate's moderator, ABC's David Muir, slapped down the ex-president, saying: 'The city manager told us there were no credible reports of pets being harmed... by the immigrant community.'

The local police department later announced that it had 'no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community'.

During tonight's performance, the monarch also accepted a posy meant for his wife from Iris King-Taylor, eight, and Louie Cooper, ten, which included flowers picked from the gardens of Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity care home in Twickenham, south west London, which mirrored blooms carried by the Queen on her wedding day.

Camilla, who had been due to attend, was forced to pull out at the last minute after continuing to suffer from some 'lingering post-viral symptoms' from a nasty chest infection.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: '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.'

It is understood that while she is very much 'on the road to recovery', these things can take time to fully clear.

Given the length and lateness of tonight/last night's engagement, she has, sources said, 'sensibly' decided to heed medical advice not to 'overstretch' herself.

It is understood that she will remain in London until Saturday but then travel to Sandringham for the week as planned.

Insiders insisted there was no cause for alarm, describing it as 'a nasty bug that apparently is going around a bit'.

She is said to be feeling a little under the weather still but, generally speaking. on the mend. A royal source said Her Majesty 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,' they added.

The Royal Variety Show - a hardy annual of the Buckingham Palace calendar - is the world's longest running entertainment show, dating back to 1912.

It supports the Royal Variety Charity which helps members of the entertainment industry in the UK who need help and assistance, including those that have fallen on hard times or need mental health support.

This is the first year that His Majesty has attended as patron of the Royal Variety Charity.

Star turns in this year's show includes a performances from the new productions of Oliver and The Devil Wears Prada , a song by Sydney Christmas - the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent programme whose prize it is to perform live - plus magic duo Penn & Teller.

The 2024 Royal Variety Performance will be broadcast on TV over the Christmas and New Year holiday.