It’s one of the biggest nights on the royal and showbiz calendars each November – the Royal Variety Performance.
Every year, senior members of the Royal Family take turns in attending the performance and this year saw the duty fall to The Prince and Princess of Wales.
2025 marks William and Catherine’s sixth time attending the show, having last attended in 2023 where they were joined by Crown Prince Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, who were visiting at the time.
Stepping outside – with William in a tux and Catherine in a green dress paired with the Greville chandelier earrings – they were greeted by Colonel Jane Davis, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London and the President and CEO of the Royal Albert Hall, James Max and James Ainscough.
Entering the foyer, the Prince and Princess were introduced to Giles Cooper, OBE, Chairman of the Royal Variety Charity, and met executives from the charity and ITV.
Catherine said that ‘it is so nice to be back for the performance’, with this year’s performance marking the first time she has attended since her cancer diagnosis and subsequent remission from cancer.
Hosted by comedian Jason Manford, the programme offered a diverse mix of theatre, comedy, and music. Among the highlights was an exclusive preview of Paddington The Musical by composer and McFly band member, Tom Fletcher.
The beloved bear’s presence evoked fond memories of the late Elizabeth II, who famously appeared in a sketch with Paddington during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Catherine also danced with a costumed Paddington at Paddington Station in 2017 to mark the launch of Paddington 2, shortly after she returned to work after announcing her third pregnancy.
Musical performances included sets from Jessie J and Icelandic artist Laufey, while the grand finale brought together the West End and Paris casts of Les Misérables. Featuring Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, and Killian Donnelly, the performance celebrated the show’s 40th anniversary with a stirring rendition of its most iconic numbers.
The Royal Variety Performance, first staged in 1912, remains the annual fundraising event of the Royal Variety Charity. The charity supports those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry and are in need of assistance.
In 2024, it expanded its remit by establishing a dedicated team to help performers facing mental health challenges, often exacerbated by financial instability and the unpredictable nature of the profession.
Royal patronage has long been central to the event. King George V and Queen Mary became the first joint patrons in 1921, followed by King George VI and the Queen Mother, and later Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III accepted patronage of the Royal Variety Charity in 2024, continuing the tradition into a new reign.
Giles Cooper, Chairman of the Royal Variety Charity and Executive Producer of the Royal Variety Performance, said: ‘The Royal Variety Charity is thrilled that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales will once again attend the Royal Variety Performance. This annual great British institution, viewed by a worldwide TV audience of over 150 million, continues to be a crucial fundraising event supporting people in all areas of performance, either on or off stage.’
