Prince William and the Princess of Wales are set to attend a major annual event this week, Kensington Palace has announced. The palace confirmed that the couple will be the guests of honour at the Royal Variety Performance, taking place Wednesday evening at the Royal Albert Hall.
They will watch performances by pop star Jessie J, Grammy-winner Laufey, the band Madness, and actor Sir Stephen Fry. This will mark William and Kate’s sixth appearance at the event — and her first since recovering from cancer in 2024.
Jessie J underwent her own cancer surgery in June, having a mastectomy for breast cancer, and later revealed she needed a second operation, forcing her to postpone her autumn tour. She will perform her new song I’ll Never Know Why.
The show will also feature a performance by the cast of the new Paddington musical, adapted for the West End from Michael Bond’s beloved books and the hit films, with music and lyrics by McFly’s Tom Fletcher.
The production brings Paddington to life through a two-person team: James Hameed as the off-stage puppeteer controlling the bear’s expressions and voice, and Arti Shah as the performer on stage.
In 2017, Kate met Paddington in person when she danced with a costumed version of the bear at Paddington Station and greeted the cast and crew of Paddington 2.
Queen Elizabeth II also shared a charming moment with the famous bear in a Platinum Jubilee comedy sketch featuring a digitally animated Paddington, where she joked about keeping marmalade sandwiches — Paddington’s favourite treat — in her handbag. After her passing in 2022, mourners left Paddington toys and marmalade sandwiches outside Buckingham Palace as a tribute.
Comedian Jason Manford will lead the show on Wednesday, while singer-songwriters Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure will present a special performance from the Live Aid musical Just For One Day.
Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe will perform an excerpt from the musical Kinky Boots, ahead of the grand finale, which will feature 400 performers — including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Katy Secombe — in a medley celebrating the 40th anniversary of the award-winning musical Les Misérables.
The Royal Variety Performance is now in its 113th year, having first been staged in 1912 with King George V and Queen Mary in attendance. Royal guests appear annually, and William and Kate are returning this year after last attending in 2023.
King Charles watched the show solo last year; he had planned to attend with Queen Camilla, but she was forced to withdraw due to a chest infection that was later diagnosed as viral pneumonia.
The annual event is held in support of the Royal Variety Charity, of which the late Queen was patron, and the funds raised help provide care and assistance to people in the entertainment industry who are in need.
Since its inception in 1912, the Royal Variety Performance has grown to reach more than 152 million television viewers around the globe, making it the world’s most successful and longest-running entertainment show.
This year’s Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV and ITV Hub in December.
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