The Prince and Princess of Wales brought a touch of royal
glamour back to the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday night –
but behind the scenes, the Princess revealed a rare glimpse into
life at home. Kate disclosed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte
and Prince Louis were “very sad” to miss the annual show, which
this year featured Paddington The Musical, a favourite in the Wales
household.
The couple arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for their first
appearance at the event since Kate’s cancer diagnosis earlier this
year. The Princess, wearing a deep green velvet gown, was greeted
on the red carpet by nine-year-old twins Emelia and Olivia Edwards,
who presented her with flowers on behalf of the Royal Variety
Charity.
After learning that the sisters were Paddington fans, Kate
smiled and confessed: “My kiddies were very sad. We’re going to
have to keep it a big secret that I saw you guys. They were very
sad not to be joining us.”
She added that she had to persuade her three children that the
long-running tradition remained an adults-only evening.
Prince William was equally warm in his exchanges with the young
greeters. When Olivia proudly told him her favourite singer was
Billie Eilish, the Prince replied, “You have good taste,” before
complimenting the girls on their “very smiley” demeanour. Kate
chimed in, “It’s infectious.”
The couple’s return to the charity gala marks their sixth
appearance at the event, which has been staged in support of
entertainers since 1912. This year’s programme included
performances from the casts of Paddington The Musical and Les
Misérables, along with Jessie J, Grammy winner Laufey, and
appearances from Madness and Sir Stephen Fry. Jason Manford
hosted.
Paddington’s presence held particular resonance for the Royal
Family. The beloved bear became an unexpected national symbol
after sharing a memorable televised tea with Queen Elizabeth II
during the late monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. When the
Queen died months later, hundreds of Paddington toys appeared among
floral tributes, with park officials eventually pleading with
mourners to refrain from leaving marmalade sandwiches.
For Kate, the evening was also another step back into public
life following months of treatment. Only a day earlier, she had
delivered her first speech since her diagnosis, urging business
leaders to value “time and tenderness” alongside productivity.
Though the Wales children were left at home this time, their
mother’s candid admission made clear how deeply they had hoped to
join the excitement. With Paddington back on the bill, their
disappointment was perhaps inevitable.
