The Princess of Wales has returned to the Royal Variety Performance for the first time since her shock cancer diagnosis. She joined Prince William on the red carpet, dazzling in a velvet green gown
The Princess of Wales paid a special tribute to the late Queen as she dazzled on the red carpet for tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. Tonight’s star-studded affair at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London marks the first time Prince William and Kate have attended the event in two years, following the princess’ shock cancer diagnosis.
Showing exactly how ‘black tie’ events are done, Kate looked breathtaking in an emerald green, figure-hugging velvet gown. The floor-length dress had a fishtail-style bottom and off-the shoulder sleeves. The beaming princess wore her hair down in her signature loose curls, simply paired with the late Queen’s Cartier diamond drop earrings.
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Kate is known for adding sentimental and symbolic details to her outfits, and tonight is no exception. The Greville chandelier earrings were once worn by the late monarch and made by Cartier over many years, from 1918 to 1929. The future queen’s outfit was finished off with a matching jewel-encrusted clutch, a dazzling cuff bracelet and green court heels.
William also looked the part in a black velvet suit jacket and a white dress shirt, completed with a smart bow tie for the fancy outing. As they arrived, the royal couple were greeted by ITV board members and representatives from the Royal Variety Charity. Kate was presented with posies by nine-year-old twins Emelia and Olivia Edwards, also representing the charity.
Fans were out in full force to see Kate join William for the special evening, held just a stone’s throw away from their London pad at Kensington Palace. Braving the cold and sleet, Kate, who had goose bumps on her bare arms as she chatted to guests, said: “It is so nice to be back for the performance”.
The royal couple will watch performances from the cast of Paddington The Musical, pop star Jessie J and Grammy award-winning singer Laufey. It is the sixth time William and Kate have attended the show.
Sharing a sweet and tender moment on the red carpet, William gently placed his hand on the small of Kate’s back as he guided her into the hall. It’s been a huge week for Kate, who on Tuesday also gave her first speech since returning to work after her cancer diagnosis. William attended last night’s Diplomatic Corps reception at Windsor Castle without his wife by his side, but the pair were all smiles as they wowed the crowd at tonight’s event.
Comedian Jason Manford is hosting the show, while singer-songwriters Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure will introduce a one-off performance from the Live Aid musical Just For One Day. Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe is showcasing an extract from the musical Kinky Boots, before the grand finale which will see 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Katy Secombe, take part in a medley in celebration of the 40th anniversary of award-winning musical Les Miserables.
The Royal Variety Performance is now in its 113th year – having first been performed way back in 1912, with King George V and Queen Mary attending. Each year, royal guests attend. King Charles watched the Royal Variety Performance last year alone as he had been due to attend with Queen Camilla but she was forced to pull out due to a chest infection, which turned out to be viral pneumonia.
In a passionate speech on Tuesday, Kate called on firms to invest in the development of children in the early years, in order to create a healthier and happier society. Championing a cause very close to her heart, the princess hosted the Future Workforce Summit, convened by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It was her first speech in two years – her first since completing her cancer treatment.
Kate created her Early Childhood business task force in March 2023. Addressing the crowd, she said: “My passion and the work of The Centre for Early Childhood, stems from one essential truth; that the love we feel in our earliest years fundamentally shapes who we become and how we thrive as adults.
“Love is the first and most essential bond. But it is also the invisible thread, woven with time, attention and tenderness, through consistent, nurturing relationships, which creates the grounded and meaningful environments around a child.
