Kate and William arrive at Royal Variety Performance
+8
View gallery
The Prince and Princess of Wales made a dazzling entrance tonight at the Royal Variety Performance. The couple joined stars at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the annual charity event, which senior members of the Royal Family take turns to support. William and Catherine arrived outside the main entrance to the building, the Princess looking elegant in a full-length green velvet evening gown. The Prince was dapper in black tie.
+8
View gallery
It was a rare joint ‘black tie’ evening for the couple, after William attended the Diplomatic Corps reception at Windsor Castle last night solo. Despite cold and sleet in London, 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.
+8
View gallery
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 evening will be hosted by Jason Manford and will include theatre, comedy and music with an exclusive performance from Paddington The Musical by composer Tom Fletcher.
+8
View gallery
There will also be a performance from the West End and Paris casts of Les Misérables, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Killian Donnelly to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary. Stars Jessie J and Laufey are also on the bill of the 98th Royal Variety Show. The prince and princess will meet a number of performers and representatives from charity before taking their seats for the show. It is the sixth time they have attended. A spokesman for the charity said they were ‘thrilled’ at the announcement.
+8
View gallery
The Royal Variety Charity supports members of the entertainment industry with a nationwide grants scheme, supporting those who have worked, or are still working, professionally in the entertainment industry, but who are in need of financial assistance and other support. In 2024, the charity established a mental health initiative to assist individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health issues often exacerbated by financial instability and the unpredictable nature of employment in the entertainment industry.
+8
View gallery
It also continues to run its residential care home, Brinsworth House in Twickenham, south West London, where those who have worked in the entertainment industry enjoy life with like-minded people in the latter years of their lives. Giles Cooper OBE, Chairman and Life-President of the Royal Variety Charity and Executive Producer of the Royal Variety Performance said: ‘The Royal Variety Charity is thrilled that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales will once again attend the Royal Variety Performance.
+8
View gallery
‘This annual great British institution, viewed by a worldwide TV audience of over 150million, continues to be a crucial fundraising event supporting people in all areas of performance, either on or off stage. ‘In this pressurised world of working in the entertainment industry, our Mental Health Initiative, started in 2024, has been a lifeline for many who are experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression or addition.’
+8
View gallery
The very first Royal Variety Performance was held in 1912 at the Palace Theatre, London, attended by Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. The most recent show, in 2024, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of His Majesty The King, Patron of the Royal Variety Charity. William and Catherine last attended in 2023.
