The Royal Variety Show is attended by senior members of the Royal Family, with the reigning monarch acting as the charity’s patron. This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales were there
The Royal Variety Performance is an annual, televised variety show in the United Kingdom, attended by senior members of the British Royal Family, to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity. It is the longest-running entertainment show in the world.
The main goal is of the show to raise funds for the Royal Variety Charity (formerly the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund), which provides support, care, and assistance to people from the entertainment industry who are experiencing financial hardship, old age, or ill-health. The show is a gala evening featuring a wide range of family-friendly entertainment, including comedy from top comedians, musical performances from pop stars and West End musical casts, dance, magic, and other speciality acts.
The winner of the ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent is traditionally given a spot to perform at the Royal Variety Performance too, which is magician Harry Moulding this year.
The event is attended by senior members of the Royal Family, with the reigning monarch acting as the charity’s patron. This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales were at the event instead of King Charles. No specific reason was giving for the King not attending.
Prince William, 43, looked dapper at the Royal Albert Hall dressed in a black tux and bow tie, meanwhile Princess Kate, 43, donned a floor-length, off-the-shoulder emerald green velvet gown by the German designer Talbot Runhof.
Kate coordinated her gown with dark green velvet Manolo Blahnik “BB” pointed-toe pumps, a silver Jenny Packham “Casa” clutch bag and also wore significant royal heirlooms. These included the Greville Diamond Chandelier earrings, a Cartier pair once gifted to Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Queen Mary’s Choker Bracelet, an Art Deco diamond piece from the 1920s that she wore as a bracelet.
Kate’s appearance marked her return to the annual event after missing the 2024 performance due to her cancer treatment and recovery. Fashion commentators said he choice of green was poignant, what with it being a colour often associated with new beginnings, growth, and reassurance.
It’s claimed the fashion choice was a “strategic and meaningful statement for her public re-emergence: and that the glamorous look “blended classic Hollywood style with a modern, regal quality”.
Kate’s dress she wore on the night retails for approximately £1,600, however if you don’t have that much in your bank, we’ve luckily found you a high street alternative.
The Scarlett & Jo Forest Green Verity Velvet Maxi Gown was £120, but is currently down to just £47 and is available from Next’s website.
The description reads: “A stunning maxi gown. This truly beautiful gown features a flattering wrap bodice supported by Scarlett & Jo’s signature Magicband inbuilt waist corset that enhances shape.
“This gown also features a fully flowing skirt that tapers to swish and swirl. The dress has 3/4 sleeves set into a pretty shoulder line with small detachable shoulder pads, It is a limited edition and is breathtaking as worn.”
People were loving Kate’s outfit as photos of them from the event was shared on Reddit. One person wrote: “I love Kate’s dress.” While another added: “The Princess of Wales has always served looks.”
A third branded her “gorgeous,” while a fourth wrote: “These two royals are just pure class!”
The Royal Variety Performance was held back on November 19, despite airing on ITV this evening (December 21).
This year’s show is hosted by comedian Jason Manford and features a star-studded line-up, including musical performances from Jessie J, Westlife, Katherine Jenkins and Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.
There’s also comedy from Tom Davis, Mick Miller, the cast of Dead Ringers, and Stephen Fry. Other variety acts included magician Harry Moulding, America’s Got Talent winners Adrian Stoica and Hurricane, and acrobatic dance troupe Airfootworks.
Performances from West End shows included a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables, an exclusive performance from Paddington The Musical, and Johannes Radebe performing from the upcoming Kinky Boots.
