King meets Elton John – and finds himself the subject of a joke – at Royal Variety Performance

The King shared a jovial moment with Sir Elton John before the performance got under way. Photo / Getty Images

The monarch attended the annual charity show at Royal Albert Hall without the Queen, who is still resting after a chest infection.

The King met Sir Elton John as he arrived at the Royal Variety performance on Friday night.

His Majesty was greeted by the pop legend as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the annual charity show.

John, who was introducing his West End adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada starring Vanessa Williams, told the King: “I’m very happy to be here.”

The King attended without the Queen, after doctors advised her to rest because of “lingering post-viral symptoms” from a recent chest infection.

It is the latest high-profile event the Queen has not been able to attend because of her illness, having also had to miss remembrance events earlier this month.

As he arrived, the King accepted flowers on behalf of the Queen from 8-year-old Iris King-Taylor. The flowers were picked from the gardens of the Royal Variety charity’s nursing home Brinsworth House, in Twickenham, southwest London.

His Majesty received a bouquet and show programme before ascending to the royal box. Photo / Getty Images

The King also received the show’s programme from Louie Cooper, 10, before taking the stairs up to the royal box.

He then wished “everyone a very enjoyable evening” at the performance, which was presented by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr.

The King seemed amused as he laughed at comedian Matt Forde’s impression of Us President-elect Donald Trump. During the show, the comedian referenced claims made by Trump during his presidential debate against Kamala Harris earlier this year that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating locals’ pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Forde exclaimed in the president-elect’s voice: “They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs!”

He then turned to address the King from the stage, saying in Trump’s voice: “Your Majesty King Charles, you’re named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.”

The King was seen laughing in the royal box.

It is the first time he has attended the event in his position as patron of the Royal Variety Charity, which he accepted earlier this year. The late Queen Elizabeth II also held the role.

“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,” the King said at the time.

“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.”