The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed a typical British Christmas tradition this evening, by heading to the pantomime with their children.
Of course, it was no ordinary night for the Royals, who walked the red carpet hand in hand, into the London Palladium. The theatre is located just off Regent Street.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk their children, George, Charlotte and Louis, on the red carpet (@KensingtonRoyal)
But they were attending special performance of The National Lottery’s Pantoland, which was held to thank key workers and their families for their efforts this year. It was hosted by the National Lottery.
Doctors, nurses and other health staff have been on the front line of battling coronavirus, whilst teachers have kept schools open for the children of key worker families, to ensure these heroes could still work and not worry about childcare.
The family sat in the royal box – thought to be the first experience for Prince George, 7, Princess Charlotte, 5, and Prince Louis, 2. They were seen chatting excitedly as they waited for the start of the performance of ‘Pantoland’, and joining in with cheers and boos.
Prince William and Kate got to meet the actors of the production, which starred Julian Clary and Elaine Page.
“A huge congratulations to everyone involved from the London Palladium, to Qdos Productions and of course the cast for all your hard work”. — The Duke of Cambridge pic.twitter.com/aKIrSNDagX
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 11, 2020
“It’s wonderful to be back here in the West End and see theatres reopening their doors,” said The Duke of Cambridge on stage. The future King also paid tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor, who today it was revealed has died.
“I want to pause and pay tribute to a true national treasure, Dame Barbara Windsor, who so sadly passed away last night…I know we’ll all miss her hugely.”
“A huge congratulations to everyone involved from the London Palladium, to Qdos Productions and of course the cast for all your hard work,” William said of the production.
During the interval of the performance, the Duke and Duchess met some key worker families to hear more about their experiences over the past year.
One family, Dom and Alex Warren, and their children, Lexie and Roman, have been using surplus food to feed struggling families in the last year.
Updates to come.
