The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend this year’s Royal Variety Performance, following a tradition that stretches back to the reign of King George V.
William and Kate will be at the Royal Albert Hall for the star studded show which is held every year to raise money for former performers.
Members of the Royal Family have attended since the show was established in 1912. The debut was meant to come a year earlier as King George had wanted to hold a Royal Variety show to mark his coronation in 1911 but a fire at the chosen theatre meant it had to be postponed. It’s been held ever since with royal support.
This will be the sixth Royal Variety Performance attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Their last time was in 2023 and would prove to be one of the last major appearances by Kate before she became ill.
The royal couple will be greeted by a familiar face as Paddington is set to take a major role in this year’s event.
Stars from Paddington the Musical will perform a routine at the show which is being held on November 19, to be shown on TV later.
The bear from Peru has become synonymous with the royals after appearing in the famous sketch which became such a popular part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Paddington famously took tea at Buckingham Palace with The Queen during a recorded performance which was played, to the surprise of millions around the world, at the start of the Platinum Party on the third day of the Jubilee. The little bear finally got Elizabeth II to reveal what was in her handbag and the answer turned out to be marmalade sandwiches. However, the most moving part came as the animated character paused and said ‘thank you’ to Queen Elizabeth II, for ”everything”.
When Elizabeth II died three months later, thousands of people left Paddington bear toys as tributes and the Royal Parks had to ask people to stop leaving marmalade sandwiches as memorials as they were rotting among the flowers.
Stars from another West End show will also take to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall as the cast of Les Miserables, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Killian Donnelly, perform in a celebration of the hit musical’s 40th anniversary.
This year’s Royal Variety Performance also includes turns by Jessie J and Laufey.
The event is hosted by comedian, Jason Manford.
After the show, the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet the performers as well as representatives of the Royal Variety Charity who stage the event.
The charity works to support former performers and, since 2024, it’s also included a dedicated team helping those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry with mental health issues.
