Jason Manford entertains stars and audience with jokes about family life while Princess Kate shares heartfelt moment with Jessie J at Royal Variety Performance in London

The Royal Variety Performance brought a sense of sparkle and festivity to the Royal Albert Hall, and Princess Kate was a picture of grace and joy as she arrived.

The Princess of Wales, 43, who shared earlier this year that she is in remission from cancer, lit up the red carpet in a stunning dark green velvet gown that perfectly matched the holiday spirit.

Fashion and Festive Flair

Kate completed her elegant look with matching Manolo Blahnik heels and dazzling Cartier diamond jewelry.

Despite the high heels, she moved with ease, even bending down to greet one of the furriest guests at the event—a sweet moment that showed her warmth and approachability.

Joining Prince William for the Festivities

Prince William and Kate were spotted enthusiastically joining in the opening, singing the national anthem to kick off the evening’s performances.

The show, filmed in November but airing tonight on ITV at 7pm, marks the annual countdown to Christmas with a mix of music, comedy, and dance.

Star-Studded Performances

This year’s line-up promises something for everyone.

Highlights include Westlife, a special 40th-anniversary performance of Les Misérables featuring 400 cast members from London and Paris, and Paddington: The Musical.

Pop sensation Jessie J also took the stage to debut her new track “I’ll Never Know Why” from her upcoming album.

Laughter with Jason Manford

Comic Jason Manford, who hosted the event, kicked things off with humorous reflections on his working-class upbringing and the “middle-class monsters” he created in his own children.

One particularly memorable joke involved him confusing mushy peas for smashed avocado, earning a genuine laugh from the Princess of Wales.

Heartfelt Moments Behind the Scenes

Footage captured some touching interactions before the show.

Kate was seen tenderly petting a dog at an attendee’s feet, seemingly unaware of the cameras on her.

She also shared a deeply personal moment with Jessie J, connecting over their experiences with cancer.

Princess Kate and Jessie J: A Shared Journey

Earlier this year, Kate revealed she was in remission from an undisclosed cancer, while Jessie J underwent a mastectomy in June as part of her breast cancer treatment.

Speaking to Good Morning America, Jessie J described how she broke royal protocol to hug Kate, with the Princess giving her blessing.

Jessie recalled the exchange: “She just said, ‘Thank you, I know you’ve gone through a tough time.’

I said, ‘I know you have too.’ I wanted to acknowledge that, mum to mum, cancer survivor to cancer survivor.

I see you, and I feel you. Can I give you a hug?”

Kate’s response highlighted her empathy and compassion, showing a side of royalty that is personal, kind, and deeply human.

A Night to Remember

Amidst the glamour, laughter, and star-studded performances, the Royal Variety Performance once again combined entertainment with heart, creating moments of connection and joy for both the audience and the Royal Family.