The Prince and Princess of Wales are set for a significant and heartening public engagement this week, marking a special moment in their calendar.
A Milestone Engagement
Prince William and Princess Kate will attend the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday evening at London's Royal Albert Hall. This annual star-studded event, which raises funds for entertainment industry professionals, holds particular significance as it is the couple's first appearance there since the Princess's recovery from cancer. This will be their sixth time attending the prestigious gathering.
The evening's line-up promises a dazzling array of British talent. The cast of the new West End production, Paddington The Musical, will perform, bringing the beloved bear to life through a unique two-person team. Pop star Jessie J is scheduled to sing her new song, "I'll Never Know Why". The bill also features Grammy award-winning singer Laufey, the iconic band Madness, and actor Sir Stephen Fry.
Poignant Connections and Royal History
The presence of Paddington The Musical creates a poignant link to the Royal Family's recent history. In 2017, Princess Kate famously danced with a costumed Paddington Bear at Paddington Station. More recently, the late Queen Elizabeth II delighted the nation with a comedy sketch featuring the digitally animated bear for her Platinum Jubilee, where she revealed she kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag.
Another deeply resonant moment will be the performance by Jessie J, who underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer in June and postponed her autumn tour due to a planned second operation. Her appearance alongside the Princess, who has also faced a cancer diagnosis, adds a layer of shared experience and solidarity to the evening.
Comedian Jason Manford will host the show, while singer-songwriters Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure will introduce a special performance from the Live Aid musical Just For One Day. Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe will showcase an extract from Kinky Boots.
A Grand Finale for a Great Cause
The spectacle will conclude with a grand finale celebrating the 40th anniversary of the award-winning musical Les Miserables. This medley will feature 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, and Katy Secombe.
The Royal Variety Performance has been staged since 1912 and is the principal fundraising event for the Royal Variety Charity. This organisation supports those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry and are now in need. In 2024, the charity established a dedicated team to assist individuals facing mental health issues, which can be worsened by financial instability and the unpredictable nature of employment in the sector.
Giles Cooper, chairman of the Royal Variety Charity, expressed his delight, stating: "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." He also highlighted the importance of their mental health initiative, started in 2024, calling it a "lifeline for many" in the pressurised world of entertainment.
