Prince William and Kate Middleton stun at Royal Variety performance

The Prince and Princess of Wales last attended the event in 2023

rince William and Kate Middleton have made a glamorous comeback at the Royal Variety Performance after their absence last year.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday, November 19, marking their first appearance at the iconic event in two years, and their first since Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024.

The royal couple are guests of honour at the annual star-studded showcase. It has been held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The event benefits the Royal Variety Charity, which supports members of the entertainment industry, especially those struggling with mental health challenges.
The Prince and Princess of Wales looked stunning tonight
Credit: (Cover Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton attend Royal Variety Performance

Hosted this year by British comedian Jason Manford, the 2025 performance promises a glittering line-up of music, comedy, and theatre.

Highlights will include performances by Jessie J and Icelandic jazz sensation Laufey, a special number from Paddington The Musical, and a tribute from the West End and Paris casts of Les Misérables in honour of the musical’s 40th anniversary.

Following the performances, the prince and princess will meet performers and Royal Variety Charity representatives backstage.

On Wednesday evening, the Princess of Wales stunned in a dark green velvet gown with short sleeves. Meanwhile, William looked dapper in a velvet suit jacket with a bow tie.

Fans react to William and Kate’s looks

Fans were wowed by the couple’s looks, as one person gushed on X: “The Princess of Wales looking exquisite at the Royal Variety Performance this evening.”

Another wrote: “Tonight is the glamourous date night. The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Albert Hall and my goodness, the Future King and his future Queen are serving VELVET.”

A third added: “The Prince and Princess of Wales looking very glamorous as they arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for the @RoyalVariety Performance.”

Over the years, Kate has made headlines with her fashion choices, including her beaded green Jenny Packham gown from 2021 and the dramatic blue Safiyaa cape dress she wore to the show in 2023.

The Royal Variety Performance is considered the unofficial start of the royal holiday season. Although it takes place in November, it is broadcast on ITV closer to Christmas.

The Waleses last attended the show in 2023. They were joined by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden during their UK visit.

In 2022, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, represented the family. And in 2024, King Charles attended solo after Queen Camilla pulled out due to illness.
The Prince of Princess of Wales last attended the event in 2023 (Credit: Zak Hussein/SplashNews)

Princess Kate makes confession about George, Charlotte and Louis

During her night out, Kate also gave an update about Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The princess admitted that her three children were “very sad” to miss the annual show.
The Wales family love Paddington! (Credit: Pool / SplashNews.com)
Especially as this year featured Paddington The Musical, a favourite in the Wales household.

Kate 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 the duo were Paddington fans, Kate smiled and said: “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.”
Princess Kate had to leave her children at home for the event (Credit: Zak Hussein / SplashNews.com)

Kate Middleton’s recent royal duties

Kate’s public return to the Royal Albert Hall follows her appearance earlier this month at the Royal Festival of Remembrance.

She was accompanied by her 12-year-old son, Prince George. William was absent as he travelled back from Brazil, where he flew to attend the annual Earthshot Awards.

Dressed in a black Alessandra Rich gown and a poppy pin, Kate appeared calm and collected.

The next day, the Prince and Princess of Wales joined senior royals at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, honouring those who lost their lives in military service.

Looking ahead, the royal couple is also confirmed to attend Kate’s annual Together at Christmas carol service on December 5 at Westminster Abbey.

The event is now in its fifth year. It continues to spotlight individuals and organisations who “bring love and care to their communities”. Scheduled performers include Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Dan Smith of Bastille.

Read more: Kate Middleton acknowledges royal family’s ‘fresh start’ as she moves into new ‘forever home’