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.
