The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend this year’s Royal
Variety Performance, following a tradition that stretches back to
the reign of King George V.
William and Kate will be at the Royal Albert Hall for the star
studded show which is held every year to raise money for former
performers.
Members of the Royal Family have attended since the show was
established in 1912. The debut was 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’s been held ever since with royal support.
This will be the sixth Royal Variety Performance attended by the
Prince and Princess of Wales. Their last time was in 2023 and would
prove to be one of the last major appearances by Kate before she
became ill.
The royal couple will be greeted by a familiar face as
Paddington is set to take a major role in this year’s event.
Stars from Paddington the Musical will perform a routine at the
show which is being held on November 19, to be shown on TV
later.
The bear from Peru has become synonymous with the royals after
appearing in the famous sketch which 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 which 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 and the answer turned out to
be marmalade sandwiches. However, the most moving part 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 as
they were rotting among the flowers.
Stars from another West End show will also take to the stage at
the Royal Albert Hall as the cast of Les Miserables, including
Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Killian Donnelly, perform in a
celebration of the hit musical’s 40th anniversary.
This year’s Royal Variety Performance also includes turns by
Jessie J and Laufey.
The event is hosted by comedian, Jason Manford.
After the show, the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet the
performers as well as representatives of the Royal Variety Charity
who stage the event.
The charity works to support former performers and, since 2024,
it’s also included a dedicated team helping those who have worked
professionally in the entertainment industry with mental health
issues.
