William and Kate return to the Royal Variety Performance after her recovery

The Princess of Wales has said that her children were very sad to miss the Royal Variety Performance in London after she and the Prince of Wales attended the annual celebration of entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall. Their appearance marked the first time the couple had returned to the event since her recovery from cancer, and it attracted close attention as they greeted performers, staff and invited guests.

The evening featured a prominent appearance by the cast of Paddington The Musical, a production that has gained significant interest among younger audiences and families. The Princess mentioned that her children had been disappointed to stay at home and miss a performance that they would have enjoyed. She made the comments while speaking to two young girls who presented her with posies as she arrived.

The girls, nine-year-old twins Emelia and Olivia Edwards, are relatives of staff who work for a care home associated with the entertainment industry. They met the royal couple at the entrance to the venue before the start of the show. During their brief conversation, the Princess asked the twins whether they liked Paddington Bear and spoke about her own children’s enthusiasm for the character.

The Royal Variety Performance is one of the highest-profile events in the annual royal calendar. It brings together performers from across the entertainment world, with funds raised going towards the Royal Variety Charity. This year’s programme was built around a varied line-up of musical and theatrical acts, with the Paddington production taking a central place on the bill.

For the Prince and Princess of Wales, the occasion served as a significant return to public duties of this scale. The Princess had stepped back from many engagements during her treatment and recovery earlier in the year. On their arrival, the couple greeted organisers, volunteers and representatives of the charity, thanking them for their work in support of performers and industry workers who rely on the organisation’s assistance.

Audience members inside the Royal Albert Hall also noted the warm reception the couple received as they were welcomed into the royal box. Their appearance was met with applause as the event commenced. The programme continued with performances from stage productions, musical artists and comedy acts, with the Paddington cast providing one of the most anticipated moments of the evening.

The Princess’s remarks about her children offered a personal glimpse into their family life. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have often accompanied their parents to public events aimed at younger audiences. Although they did not attend this particular evening, their interest in Paddington Bear was highlighted by their mother as she spoke with the twins, who greeted her.

Throughout the night, the Prince and Princess continued to meet cast members and contributors to the show. They expressed their appreciation for the performers who took part and acknowledged the importance of the Royal Variety Charity’s work. The event brought together artists from a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the broad appeal of the long-running tradition.

The Royal Variety Performance has been held for more than a century and remains one of the most recognisable showcases of music, theatre and entertainment in the United Kingdom. The presence of the Prince and Princess underscored the continued support the Royal Family provides to the event and to the charity it benefits.

As the evening concluded, the couple thanked organisers once more before departing the venue. Their appearance was noted as an important milestone following the Princess’s recovery and marked a moment of increased visibility as she gradually resumed her schedule of public engagements.