The King seemed amused as he watched a comedian’s impression of Donald Trump at the Royal Variety Performance on Friday.

Charles was seen laughing as British comedian Matt Forde poked fun at the US president-elect on stage at the Royal Albert Hall.

Forde referenced the unfounded claims Mr Trump repeated during his presidential debate against Democrat candidate Kamala Harris earlier this year, that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating locals’ pets in the small Ohio city of Springfield.

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

He then turned to address Charles from the stage, saying in Mr 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 response to the joke from the royal box.

Charles arrived at the Royal Variety Performance alone, as Camilla stayed at home on doctors’ orders as she continues to fight a chest infection having fallen ill earlier this month.

A palace spokesperson said Camilla had been advised by doctors to stay at home and rest as she continues to experience some lingering symptoms.

A royal source said the Queen 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.”

Charles received the posy of flowers meant for Camilla from eight-year-old Iris King-Taylor as he arrived at the event on Friday evening.

The King was presented with flowers as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall (Photos by PA)

The flowers were picked from the gardens of the Royal Variety charity’s nursing home Brinsworth House, in Twickenham.

He greeted Sir Elton John on arrival, who is introducing his West End adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada starring Vanessa Williams, and told the King: “I’m very happy to be here.”

The King also received the show’s programme from 10-year-old Louie Cooper before taking the stairs up to the royal box in the auditorium.

Charles attended the show for the first time as patron of the Royal Variety charity, following in the footsteps of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles meets Elton John (Toby Melville/PA Wire)

In a statement from Buckingham Palace, he said: “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.

“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.”

It is understood Camilla will remain in London on Friday and will then travel to Sandringham for the following week as planned.

Camilla had been due to join the King at the event on Friday night which took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall and will feature performances from stars including Sir Elton John and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

The Queen has appeared at several events after falling ill with the infection earlier this month but doctors have advised her that she should prioritise rest.

Earlier this week, the Queen was praised for her “exceptional efforts” to advance literature as she received an honorary doctorate from her sister-in-law the Princess Royal.

Camilla donned ceremonial robes as she was recognised for her long-standing promotion of literacy and literature during a ceremony at the University of London on Wednesday, where Anne has been chancellor since 1981.

On Tuesday night, Camilla – who recently suffered the death of her beloved Jack Russell terrier, Beth – hosted a glittering white-tie diplomatic reception alongside Charles at the Palace.

She also attended a Booker Prize reception with shortlisted authors at Clarence House last week before joining the King at a special reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating the TV and film industry, although she pulled out of the royal premiere of Gladiator II on the same night.

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