King Charles stepped out alone at the Royal Variety Performance on Friday night. His appearance comes after it was revealed Queen Camilla would be missing the yearly event due to an ongoing chest infection.
Recently, the Queen, 77, has reduced her official duties as she became ill, reports the Mirror. It’s thought that Her Majesty is still suffering from remaning symptoms after contracting the infection.
Earlier today, a spokesperson for The King and Queen 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“With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.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.” While Her Majesty is unwell, King Charles has continued with his official duties, which he has eased in recent months following his cancer diagnosis.
Earlier this year, the King underwent a “corrective procedure” at a clinic in London to treat a benign enlarged prostate. One month later, in February, Buckingham Palace announced that during the procedure, cancer had been discovered – although it wasn’t prostate cancer. All public engagements were postponed, and it’s believed the King is still undergoing cancer treatment following his shock diagnosis.
Charles headed to Australia, stopping his treatment for ten days with the Queen. However, on return he instantly resumed his treatment to fight the disease. Despite reducing her duties, the Queen joined her husband the King and her son-in-law, Prince William for diplomatic receptions on Tuesday night, while also attending events on Wednesday and Thursday.
It’s thought that the Queen will remain at Clarence House, her London residence, before she and His Majesty return to Sandringham, their private Norfolk estate. This week medics had been closely observing her recovery from the nasty chest infection and were taking each engagement as they came.
However, on Friday, the Queen is said to be feeling unwell and a royal source told the Express that Her Majesty is “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.”
The Royal Variety Performance has welcomed two new hosts – Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, who have replaced last year’s presenter, Bradley Walsh. The King will see performances from the likes of Britain’s Got Talent winner, Sydnie Christmas, the cast of Oliver! and Starlight Express.
Elton John, who is a close friend of Princes William and Harry, alongside his doting husband David Furnish will introduce the performance for The Devil Wears Prada, which features actress Vanessa Williams. Elsewhere, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nemo and James Bay will also take to the stage.
Meanwhile, to celebrate the 40th anniversary, Cirque Du Soleil is set to perform a world exclusive from their Las Vegas ‘Ovo’ show, while the English National Ballet will perform their routine of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from the production, Nutcracker. But it’s not just music and theatre that The King will be treated to.
Comedian Ellie Taylor will be entertaining, with America’s Penn and Teller flying in for the special occasion. Deal Or No Deal host Stephen Mulhern will also impress the King with an illusion. Host Amanda Holden dazzled the crowd as she stepped out wearing a striking two piece outfit.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge channelled her inner emerald mermaid in a rather revealing crop-top which left very little to the imagination as she flaunted her gym-honed physique. Meanwhile, she completed her look with a flowing teal skirt, complete with netting adding to her mermaid look.
Elsewhere, Vanessa Williams looked electric in an off the shoulder blue dress as she struck up a pose. The American legend’s dress cinched in on her tiny waist as she gleefully posed for onlookers, resting one hand on her hip. She wore her caramel tresses in loose natural waves, cascading down her back while her glistening diamond earrings caught the attention of those walking by her.
29-year-old Sydnie Christmas sparkled in a shimmering silver sequin shoulder less and strapless dress. Taking to the red carpet, the star shone a winning smile as she sashayed along with her dark hair swept to one side.
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