King Charles was spotted laughing heartily at this year’s Royal Variety Show after comedian Scott Bennett made a humorous remark about camping.
The star-studded event, held on November 22 and broadcast on ITV the following evening, featured performances from notable figures such as Sir Elton John, hosts Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, and a variety of entertainers. However, it was Yorkshire-based stand-up comedian Scott Bennett who truly captured the King’s attention.
While recounting his recent camping experience, Scott joked about the loud zipping noise tents make. “It’s three in the morning, it’s pitch black, you’re desperate for the toilet, and you’re doing that,” he said, mimicking the sound of a tent zipper with remarkable accuracy. “And that’s zip number one,” he added with a smirk.
The camera then cut to King Charles, 75, who was seen chuckling in the royal box at the Royal Albert Hall. But the punchline that really had His Majesty laughing was still to come.
Scott continued, “And don’t get me started on the people who do it slowly. Have you heard these people? They were next to us. Took six hours to leave the tent.”
As he repeated the zipper sound in comically timed bursts, the King’s laughter grew louder, with Charles even folding over in his chair from amusement.
The monarch, who attended the show without Queen Camilla, seemed to enjoy the night thoroughly. Aside from Scott’s routine, he was also entertained by a sketch from political satirist Matt Forde, known for his sharp impressions.
Forde, impersonating Donald Trump, joked about the former president’s baseless claims that Haitian immigrants were eating local pets in Springfield, Ohio. Addressing the royal box, he quipped: “Your Majesty, King Charles, you are named after a spaniel—be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.”
The camera captured King Charles laughing enthusiastically at the remark.
Later in the evening, the King greeted several guests, including the illusionists Penn and Teller and Scottish presenter Lorraine Kelly, who was dressed in eye-catching attire. He also met Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor, who appeared visibly starstruck when meeting the monarch.
Queen Camilla had been scheduled to attend but pulled out at the last minute due to ongoing “lingering post-viral symptoms.” The Queen had recently battled a chest infection after a long trip to Australia and Samoa and had to cancel several engagements, including the Royal Variety Show and the premiere of Gladiator II. It was confirmed she had not been hospitalized for pneumonia, and sources reassured the public that there was no cause for concern. The chest infection had simply left her feeling fatigued.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated: “Following a recent chest infection, Her Majesty continues to experience lingering post-viral symptoms. After a busy week of engagements, doctors have advised that she prioritize rest. With great regret, she has withdrawn from the Royal Variety Performance, but His Majesty will attend as planned.”
The Royal Variety Show, which has been a key part of the royal calendar since 1912, is the longest-running entertainment show in the world. It raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity, which provides support to members of the UK entertainment industry who are facing difficult circumstances or in need of mental health assistance.
This year marked the first time King Charles attended as patron of the Royal Variety Charity.
