Singer Jessie J delivered one of the most emotionally charged moments at this year's Royal Variety Performance, using her platform to honour a lost friend and connect with the Princess of Wales over their shared health battles.
A Tribute Woven in Fabric
The 37-year-old artist took to Instagram the morning after the prestigious event at London's Royal Albert Hall to explain her deliberate choice of attire. Instead of a glamorous gown, Jessie J walked the red carpet in a baggy black hoodie and tracksuit, a decision steeped in personal significance.
The outfit served as a tribute to her close friend and former security guard, Dave Last, who died by suicide seven years ago. Known affectionately as 'Lasty', he had been her protective presence for many years and what she described as her 'big brother'.
'After every show he would say "you got a hoodie?"' the singer recounted on social media. 'We would take a walk. For my mental health and his too. To get some fresh air and just talk the day over. Man I miss those walks and talks.'
The hoodie featured the phrase 'you got a hoodie Lasty' embroidered on the back, directly honouring their ritual, with 'I love you' displayed on the hood itself.
Connecting Through Shared Experience
The emotional evening deepened when Jessie J shared a heartfelt conversation and embrace with the Princess of Wales following her performance. Both women have faced cancer diagnoses, creating an immediate bond between them.
The Princess of Wales, 43, revealed earlier this year that she is in remission from an undisclosed form of cancer. Meanwhile, Jessie J underwent a mastectomy in June as part of her treatment for breast cancer.
'I just had breast cancer. I just want to give you a hug, cancer really puts life into perspective,' the singer told the Princess during their poignant exchange.
This marked the sixth time William and Kate have attended the Royal Variety show together, but notably represented the Princess's first public appearance of this nature since her cancer recovery began.
Reaching Out to Those Struggling
Jessie J explained that her clothing choice carried multiple layers of meaning beyond the personal tribute. She specifically wanted to 'represent the people at home watching the show in sweats, on the sofa feeling lost and alone' through her relaxed outfit.
'I know that's what I throw on when I feel low,' she wrote. 'I feel you I see you I love you we want you here.'
The singer performed her deeply personal song 'I'll Never Know Why', which was written about Dave Last. She expressed hope that the music could support anyone experiencing grief or feeling unloved.
'I can't imagine how lonely and hard it must feel to not want to be in the world anymore,' Jessie J shared. 'But I am hugging you and sending you the love and light you deserve to feel and hope you catch it and hold onto it.'
The Royal Variety Performance represented a significant moment for both women. For the Princess of Wales, it signalled a return to royal duties amid recovery. For Jessie J, it came during an ongoing health journey - she revealed last month that doctors had postponed her second cancer surgery despite cancelling her tour to undergo the procedure.
