King Charles stepped out on Friday evening for the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
While the 76-year-old monarch was originally set to attend with Queen Camilla, she withdrew at the last minute due to her ongoing recovery from a recent chest infection.
This marked Charles’ first appearance at the annual event as patron of the Royal Variety Charity, which supports members of the UK entertainment industry in need.
Dressed in a sharp black tuxedo and a warm coat to fend off the November chill, the King enjoyed a star-studded lineup. Performances included sets by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and James Bay, as well as a musical number from The Devil Wears Prada, presented by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, and featuring Vanessa Williams and the show’s cast.
The evening, hosted by comedian Alan Carr and TV presenter Amanda Holden, also featured magic acts from Penn and Teller and Stephen Mulhern, a display by Cirque Du Soleil, and a ballet performance by the English National Ballet. Theater highlights included a medley from Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! and a number from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express.
Proceeds from the event will benefit individuals in the entertainment industry in need of care and support. This year, the Royal Variety Charity launched a new initiative to provide mental health assistance to those in the sector.
