Prince and Princess of Wales attend Royal Variety Performance: Kate Middleton says her children “very sad” not to be there
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at the Royal Variety Performance with Kate saying their children were “very sad” not to be there.
It is the Princess of Wales’ first Royal Variety Performance since recovering from cancer tonight (November 19) and Kate looked radiant on the red carpet in a green velvet gown, accompanied by the Prince of Wales in a black Tuxedo. However, Kate did reveal her children were “very sad” not to be with them.
Arriving at the Royal Albert Hall for the show which will be headlined by the cast of Paddington The Musical, the royal couple were greeted by ITV board members and representatives from the Royal Variety Charity. Kate was presented with a posy by nine-year-old twins Emelia and Olivia Edwards, family of staff at Brinsworth House, a care home for entertainment industry workers supported by the charity.
After asking if they were fans of Paddington, the princess told the girls her children were “very sad” not to attend the show and added she had to tell them children were not allowed to go.
“My kiddies were very sad, we’re going to have to keep it a big secret that I saw you guys,” she said. “They were very sad not to be joining us.”
The girls then presented William with a programme for the evening’s entertainment. “Thank you very much,” he said. “You two look very pretty tonight.”
When Olivia told the prince her favourite singer is Billie Eilish, he replied she had good taste. He said: “It’s very nice to see you both. You’re very smiley, you two.”
“It’s infectious,” the princess added.
It is the sixth time William and Kate have attended the annual charity event, and the first time since the princess’s recovery from cancer.
Hosted by comedian Jason Manford, the evening will also see Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe showcase an extract from the musical Kinky Boots. Singer-songwriters Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure will introduce a one-off performance from the Live Aid musical Just For One Day.
The evening of entertainment will also feature pop star Jessie J and Grammy award-winning singer Laufey, English band Madness and actor and Celebrity Traitors star Sir Stephen Fry.
Jessie J, who will perform her new song I’ll Never Know Why, faced her own cancer surgery in June with a mastectomy for breast cancer. The 37-year-old later revealed she was due to undergo a second operation and had to postpone her autumn tour.
The grand finale 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 annual Royal Variety Performance was first staged in 1912 for King George V and Queen Mary in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which supports those working in the entertainment industry.