Princess of Wales and Jessie J Share Heartfelt Moment at Royal Variety

The annual Royal Variety Performance dazzled audiences on November 1, 2023, at the Royal Albert Hall, where the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed a night filled with star-studded performances. Among the highlights, Princess Kate shared a poignant hug with singer Jessie J, a gesture that underscored their shared experiences with cancer.

Following a lively evening featuring acts from Paddington The Musical and performances by Jessie J and fellow singer-songwriter Laufey, the royal couple mingled with various artists. They were particularly taken with the new musical, with Prince William expressing his admiration to Tom Fletcher, the musician behind the show’s music and lyrics. William described the performance as “fantastic” and made a lighthearted comment about Paddington Bear’s iconic marmalade sandwich, saying, “Your sandwich looks very nice.”

Jessie J’s performance of her song “I’ll Never Know Why,” inspired by her experiences with loss, resonated deeply with the audience. After the show, she and Princess Kate connected on a personal level, discussing their battles with cancer. Jessie J, who underwent a mastectomy earlier this year, noted, “Mum to mum, who has just recently gone through cancer, I just wanted to give her a hug. We acknowledged that it’s something that is not easy to go through, especially in the public eye.”

The singer donned an oversized black hoodie and trousers, a choice that sparked some confusion among the event’s attendees. She explained that her outfit was a reflection of her experience with depression, stating, “When you feel depressed and you’re on the sofa, you’re not in a sparkling gown, you’re in sweats.” Her candid remarks about mental health caught the attention of Prince William, who invited her to participate in his charitable initiatives focused on similar issues.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere remained light-hearted. Sir Stephen Fry, who performed an excerpt from Oscar Wilde’s *The Importance of Being Earnest*, entertained Prince William with anecdotes from his recent appearance on *Celebrity Traitors*. Fry noted that the shared “bizarre experience” among the cast created a unique bond, with others referencing humorous moments that emerged during filming.

In a memorable conclusion to the evening, a cast of 400 performers celebrated the 40th anniversary of *Les Miserables* with a medley of songs. During a light-hearted moment, a performer jokingly referred to Prince William as “the other fella, the one on the coins,” eliciting laughter from the royal box.

Earlier in the evening, Princess Kate received flowers from nine-year-old twins Emelia and Olivia Edwards, whose family is connected to Brinsworth House, a care home for those in the entertainment industry supported by the Royal Variety Charity. She expressed her children’s disappointment at not attending, stating, “My kiddies were very sad, we’re going to have to keep it a big secret that I saw you guys.”

The Royal Variety Performance, which has been held annually since its inception in 1912 under King George V and Queen Mary, aims to raise funds for the Royal Variety Charity. This organization supports individuals in the entertainment sector, particularly those facing physical or mental health challenges. The event will be broadcast on ITV in December, allowing a wider audience to share in the celebration of talent and resilience.