William and Kate 'relaxed' as they mix with stars at Royal Variety Performance

Paloma Faith met the Prince and Princess of Wales and said they were 'really nice and very relaxed'
The Prince And Princess Of Wales Attend The Royal Variety Performance 2023
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Robert Jobson1 December 2023

The Prince and Princess of Wales were on top form as they stepped out at the Royal Variety Performance on Thursday night.

The royal couple attended the event at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington with the Crown Princess of Sweden and Prince Daniel, who are on an official visit to the UK.

It comes amid a tricky week for the British Royal Family following the publication of Omid Scobie’s book Endgame.

Kate dazzled in a teal dress from the London-based brand Safiyaa, while the Princess of Sweden wore a black gown from the Swedish brand Toteme.

On arrival they met ITV executives before being introduced to Daphne Selfe, who at 95 is the world’s oldest supermodel.

Excited crowds gathered outside the hall to peer through the windows for the royal arrival.

Speaking to Ms Selfe, Prince William said: “You’re modelling at 95, that is incredible,” before adding: “They don’t make you travel about too much do they?”

The Princess of Wales told Ms Selfe that she “loved” her dress, which had red feather tassel sleeves, to which she replied that Kate was very tall.

The princess then joked: “I’m quite tall and I have high heels on, so I’m cheating.”

William added: “I don’t have high heels on.”

The Princess of Wales and the Princess of Sweden were then presented with floral bouquets made from English & Swedish national flowers.

The Royal Variety Performance takes place every year and will be broadcast on ITV1 at 8pm on December 17.

The evening is hosted by Bradley Walsh followed by performances across theatre, comedy and music with a headline performance from multi-award-winning singer, Cher.

There are also performances from Swedish pop star Zara Larsson and British singer Paloma Faith.

The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which supports members of the entertainment industry with a nationwide grants scheme, to help those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry during this very difficult economic climate.

Walsh said it was “an honour” to serve the monarchy and present the star-studded show.

Simon Cowell made a camera appearance, coming on stage wearing Bono-esque yellow-tinted glasses for his “terrible eyesight” to introduce Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn.

Royal Variety Performance 2023
William and Kate meeting members of McFly
PA

William and Kate particularly enjoy a sketch from West End magician Simon Lipkin, where Walsh played the role of a servant.

Pointing at Their Highnesses Bradley said: “If I don’t get a knighthood after this there’s no justice,” causing the Prince and Princess to laugh together.

After the show Their Highnesses met performers including Cher, who had performed her new Christmas single, DJ Play a Christmas Song.

William said: “It’s an energetic song isn’t it!”

They then spoke to performers including McFly, Mel C and Paloma Faith.

Faith, who was still barefoot from her performance, said the Prince and Princess of Wales were “really nice and very relaxed”.

She added: “They said they didn’t mind that I wasn’t wearing shoes as I seemed more comfortable that way.

“They just put you at ease, which is a real skill.”

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