The Prince and Princess of Wales made a dazzling entrance tonight at the Royal Variety Performance.
William and Catherine, both 43, joined an array of stars like Jessie J, Matt Lucas and host Jason Manford at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the annual charity event, which senior members of the Royal Family take turns to support.
Arriving outside the main entrance to the building before taking their seats in the Royal Box, the Princess was the picture of elegance in a green velvet evening gown, while William looked dapper in black tie.
Catherine paired her emerald dress, thought to be from German luxury fashion brand Talbot Runhof, with the exquisite Greville chandelier earrings, once favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II and crafted by Cartier over eleven years.
This evening’s outing marked a rare joint ‘black tie’ evening for the royal couple, after William attended the Diplomatic Corps reception at Windsor Castle last night solo.
Despite cold and sleet in the British capital, fans were out in force to see Catherine join her prince just a stone’s throw from their London base at Kensington Palace.
The Royal Variety Charity assists those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry, and in 2024, it set up a dedicated team to assist those who are in need of help and support because of mental health issues, a cause close to William and Catherine’s hearts.
The Prince and Princess were greeted tonight by Colonel Jane Davis, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London and the President and CEO of the Royal Albert Hall, James Max and James Ainscough, on the red carpet outside the famous venue.
Entering the main foyer, the royal couple were introduced to Giles Cooper OBE, chairman of the Royal Variety Charity before meeting half a dozen executives from the charity and ITV, who produces the show.
Catherine, who had goose bumps on her bare arms following her entrance in the cold, said ‘it is so nice to be back for the performance’ as she chatted to the line-up.
Before heading to their seats, the princess was handed a stunning posy of winter woodland-themed flowers, designed to capture the quiet magic of the season, by nine-year-old twins, Emelie and Olivia Edwards.
The girls had been chosen because a family member works at the charity’s residential care home, Brinsworth House in Twickenham, south west London, where the flowers had been picked from.
Bending down to speak to them, the princess said ‘they’re very sweet’ and asked if they were excited to tell their friends at school what they were doing tonight.
Yes, they told her as she asked: ‘Are you two fans of Paddington?’
Nodding, Catherine told them: ‘My kiddies will be very sad [to have missed the show], we are going to have to keep it a big secret. ‘
Bringing her finger to her lips, she added: ‘They were very sad not to be joining us.’
She then shook their hands and thanked them for the ‘beautiful’ flowers.
William, wearing a black velvet jacket and matching bow tie, then joined the trio, taking the gifted programmes from one of the twins, and asked what she was looking forward to watching the most tonight.
Thanking Emelia and Olivia again, the prince said: ‘You’re very smiley,’ as Catherine added: ‘It’s infectious.’
The prince and princess’s arrival in the royal box was met by state trumpeters, with the audience taking to their feet and greeting the royal couple as Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins sang the national anthem.
This year’s show was hosted by Jason Manford and included an exclusive performance from Paddington The Musical, which opened at the Savoy Theatre at the start of the month.
Other highlights included performances from Jessie J, Harry Moulding and a 40th-anniversary celebration of the stage show Les Misérables.
Money raised from the star-studded event goes to help people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative to help those with mental health issues last year, a cause William and Catherine have long championed.
The charity also runs Brinsworth House, known as the Old Pro’s Paradise, for those who have worked in the entertainment industry.
After the show, the prince and princess will go backstage to greet the acts, including a special meet and greet with Paddington – who is set to gift them a marmalade sandwich.
The beloved fictional bear became synonymous with the late Queen Elizabeth after she appeared in a cameo with the marmalade-loving character for her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
After the monarch died in September that year, wellwishers left Paddington toys and marmalade sandwiches as tributes outside royal residences such as Buckingham Palace.
Senior members of the Royal Family take it in turns to attend the glittering event, with the King, patron of the charity, attending last year’s show.
Tonight’s performance marked the sixth time William and Catherine have attended the show together, and the princess’s first since her cancer recovery.
The royal couple’s most recent appearance was in 2023 when they were joined by Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.
The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December.
