King Charles attends Royal Variety Performance as Queen Camilla pulls out

King Charles has stepped out for the annual Royal Variety Performance without Queen Camilla, who is struggling to recover from an illness following her Australia tour. See photos.

King Charles stepped out for the Royal Variety Performance without Queen Camilla after she pulled out at the 11th hour as she continues to battle a chest infection after her Australian tour.

His Majesty made the most of the annual event rubbing shoulders with celebrities including legendary singer Elton John.

Sir Elton and his husband, David Furnish, presented a musical number from their new show, The Devil Wears Prada l, with star Vanessa Williams and its cast.

King Charles III meets Elton John as he attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Picture: AFP

King Charles III, Elton John and his partner David Furnish (right) share a laugh. Picture: AFP

American singer and actress Vanessa Williams, 61, looked stunning in a one-shoulder navy ruffled dress.

Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 45, also wore a one-shoulder dress in black for the glamorous occasion.

The Royal Variety Performance takes place every year in aid of the Royal Variety Charity. The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who need help and assistance.

Vanessa Williams. Picture: Getty Images

Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Picture: Getty Images

Camilla was scheduled to attend the event, a favourite on the royal calendar, in London on Friday evening local time.

However, she continues to suffer “lingering post-viral symptoms”.

“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,” a statement from Buckingham Palace read.

Penn Jillette and Teller attend the Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. Picture: Getty Images

Swiss rapper Nemo was also in attendance. Picture: Getty Images

“With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.

“His Majesty will attend as planned.”

The Queen did indeed have a busy week attending events including the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition winners ceremony on Thursday.

King Charles III appeared to make the most of the solo outing. Picture: Getty Images

The competition was entered by children from Commonwealth countries across the globe, including Australia.

Despite looking a little under the weather, Her Majesty put on a brave face for the kids who worked so hard on their essays.

Queen Camilla during a reception for winners of the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen’s illness comes as a source close to Harry and Meghan revealed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be spending their sixth Christmas away from the royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning a cozy Christmas at their Montecito home in California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not making the guest list to the royal family’s annual get-together at Sandringham House again, instead they are free to make their festive celebrations “extra special” for their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

According to the New York Post, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland will join them in making Christmas a close family affair with her grandchildren.

“Meghan’s mum Doria will join them at home in Montecito and they’ll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family,” an insider said, adding that the couple had not expected to receive an invitation from the royals.

The Sussexes, pictured this month, are planning an ‘extra special’ Christmas for their children and their grandmother at home this year.

The Sussexes walked away from official royal duties and moved to the US in 2020 to forge their own paths and have actively avoided various, year-round royal activities.

They have not returned to England for Christmas since joining the royal family at the late queen’s country estate Sandringham, in Norfolk, back in 2018.

Meghan has not returned to England since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.

Harry and Meghan on Christmas Day, 2018, with William and Kate and the brothers’ father Charles. Picture: AFP

Despite the royal snub to spend time with extended family for the festive season, Harry and Meghan were extended an invitation to spend Christmas at Althorp House — the childhood home of his late mother, Princess Diana and his uncle Charles Spencer.

Harry has remained close to his uncle since quitting royal life and stayed in close contact with the Spencer family.

Ongoing issues with their personal security is believed to be the reason the couple were unable to accept the invitation extended by Harry’s uncle Charles.

Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland will spend Christmas with her grandchildren. Picture: Instagram

Charles Spencer invited Harry and Meghan to spend Christmas at Althorp House. Picture: Getty

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, lost their tax-funded security earlier this year after Harry’s father King Charles evicted them from their former royal residence, Frogmore Cottage, last year.

Since then, the Sussexes have had no official place to stay in the UK.

“Both Harry and Meghan agree that they shouldn’t return to the UK until the security arrangements are resolved,” the source said.

Royal household staff decorate a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

Windsor Castle is awash in red and gold. Picture: Getty Images

“Until then, they will only travel to the UK for special occasions or pre-planned visits.”

As the Sussexes plan a cosy at-home Christmas in the US, the king’s staff have been decking the halls of the royal residences.

They royal family is expected to turn out in force for a special Christmas carol concert organised by Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Originally published as King Charles attends Royal Variety Performance as Queen Camilla pulls out