The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday evening, following a tradition that stretches back to the reign of King George V.
Dressed in a velvet green dress, the princess was visibly excited to meet Paddington Bear backstage following the performance from the case of Paddington The Musical.
The bear from Peru had become synonymous with the royals after appearing in the famous sketch that 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 that 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 – marmalade sandwiches. However, the most moving moment 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 because they were rotting among the flowers.
William and Kate were at the Royal Albert Hall for the star-studded show, held every year to raise money for former performers.
Members of the Royal Family had attended since the show was established in 1912. The debut had been 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 had been held ever since with royal support.
This was the sixth Royal Variety Performance attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Their previous appearance was in 2023, which proved to be one of Kate’s last major engagements before she became ill. The show will be broadcast on television at a later date.
As well as Paddington The Musical, tars from another West End show also took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, as the cast of Les Misérables – including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Killian Donnelly – performed in celebration of the hit musical’s 40th anniversary.
This year’s Royal Variety Performance also included turns by Jessie J and Laufey.
The event was hosted by comedian Jason Manford.
