The Prince and Princess of Wales donned their glad rags as they attended the glittering Royal Variety Performance for the first time in two years. Wearing matching velvet, William and Catherine arrived at the Royal Albert Hall ahead of the annual charity event, which sees comedians, musicians and theatre productions take to the stage in a bid to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity.
They were greeted 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 iconic London venue in Kensington before heading in out of the bitterly cold. 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 as she chatted to the line-up, said “it is so nice to be back for the performance”.
Royal Variety Performance 2025
The Princess of Wales arriving for the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London. P (Image: PA)
The Prince And Princess Of Wales Attend The Royal Variety Performance
Princess Catherine looked stunning a green velvet gown (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Before heading to their seats, the princess, wearing a gorgeous emerald green floor-length dress and her long brunette perfectly curled, 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.
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, we are going to have to keep it a big secret” as she brought her finger to her lips.
The Prince And Princess Of Wales Attend The Royal Variety Performance
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Royal Variety Performance (Image: Getty Images)
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 is being hosted by Jason Manford and includes an exclusive performance from Paddington The Musical, which opened at the Savoy Theatre at the start of the month.
The Prince And Princess Of Wales Attend The Royal Variety Performance
The royal couple were greeted by ITV board members and representatives from the Royal Varietles (Image: Getty Images)
Enter your email address here
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Other highlights include 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.
T
he 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.
The Prince And Princess Of Wales Attend The Royal Variety Performance
The Prince and Princess of Wales donned their glad rags tonight (Image: Getty Images)
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.
