Their Royal Highnesses were all smiles upon arrival and were greeted by a large media presence as they walked the red carpet for the star-studded event.
The royals were greeted by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife.
It's been a busy couple of days for the Cambridges who both carried out separate engagements yesterday. Kate attended an athlete workshop for her patronage SpotsAid in West London, and later in the evening Prince William was the guest of honour at a gala for SkillForce. During the gala he was handed a bag of Christmas bells and joked, "I'll put them in George's pocket, we'll know where he is then." (It sounds like George is as boisterous as ever.)
In the foyer of the palladium the royal couple were greeted by pop royalty One Direction.
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| ITV News Twitter Feed |
The Duchess shook hands with Harry Styles (the envy of many young women no doubt). Afterwards Harry told a reporter "I said congratulations on the bump even though she didn't look bumpy". Fellow band member Liam Payne was a little overwhelmed and said "It's the most nervous I think I've ever been in my life".
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| Clarence House Twitter Feed |
Kate received a posy of flowers from six-year-old Charlotte Tomlinson.
William and Kate watched an array of performers including Bette Middler, Ed Sheeran, Dame Shirley Bassey, Demi Lovato and Mick Hucknall at this evening's gala hosted by Michael McIntyre.
Kate chatted with Simon Cowell and Harry Styles again after the show.
Acts the couple are particularly familiar with are also in the line up, including Ellie Goulding, who sang at William and Kate's Buckingham Palace wedding reception and performed Elton John's 'Your Song' for their first dance, and comic Jack Whitehall who went to school with the Duchess. It's very much a family event, with talent from across the entertainment industry. From singing, dancing and comedy to magic and other speciality acts, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
William greeted Ellie with a kiss.
It has long been tradition for members of the Royal family to make an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance - it dates back all the way to 1912 when the inaugural performance was watched by King George V and Queen Mary. In July 1919, a second royal show was performed and billed as a post-war celebration of peace.
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It is usually attended by the monarch and below we see the Royal family arriving for the 1947 show. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and behind Elizabeth we can see a very young Prince Philip.
Indeed, the glamorous event once called for wearing a tiara. Below we see the Queen at the 1981 performance.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving for the event in 1984. Diana chose a chiffon dress by Bellville Sassoon.
In recent years, the Queen has taken it in turns with the Prince of Wales to attend the show, and it had been expected Her Majesty would be seated in the royal box this year, but instead she decided to pass the baton down to her grandson and his wife, demonstrating her confidence in the couple. It's the beginning of a tradition for the Cambridges, and one we will see them continue (alternating with the Prince of Wales for the near future) for a very long time to come.
The event is held in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, of which the Queen is patron. The charity is dedicated to helping provide support for elderly, infirm or distressed members and former members of the entertainment industry.
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| EABF |
Kate's parents Mike and Carole Middleton also attended the show. Carole chose a black lace dress, quite similar to Kate's. Perhaps they chose their gowns together?
The evening's entertainment was recorded tonight and will be broadcast on ITV in December. It's something of a tradition to watch it during the festive season, and what a treat it will be to see the Cambridges in the royal box this year.
The Duchess looked beautiful in the incredibly elegant Diane von Furstenburg Zarita Gown. The black dress is fitted through the bodice, waist and thigh, and the piece opens to a sweeping fluted hem. The delicate gown, crafted from sheer lace features a v-back and is fitted with a slim band around the waist that flatters the silhouette, making it a perfect choice for the early months of pregnancy.
The evening's entertainment was recorded tonight and will be broadcast on ITV in December. It's something of a tradition to watch it during the festive season, and what a treat it will be to see the Cambridges in the royal box this year.
The Duchess looked beautiful in the incredibly elegant Diane von Furstenburg Zarita Gown. The black dress is fitted through the bodice, waist and thigh, and the piece opens to a sweeping fluted hem. The delicate gown, crafted from sheer lace features a v-back and is fitted with a slim band around the waist that flatters the silhouette, making it a perfect choice for the early months of pregnancy.
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| DVF |
It is a gorgeous choice for event, harking back to the glamour we saw members of the Royal family displaying in previous years. The gown is available for £785 at Net-A-Porter, on the DVF website and in navy at Matches.
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| DVF |
Black lace dresses proved very popular at the event. The eagle-eyed Ashley noticed a woman in the background was wearing the same dress as Kate.
The Zarita is very much a core piece in DVF's collection. Below we see the knee-length version of the dress in red and pink.
A shorter version of the Zarita dress is widely available in a selection of colourways. Nordstrom is selling the dress reduced from €296 to €236, and it's also in stock at DVF, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-A-Porter and ShopBop.
The Duchess selected her black suede Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps for the evening.
Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Lola blue topaz hoop earrings and carried her sequin black clutch.
The dazzling earrings retail for £3,200. The blue topaz and diamond hoops in 18ct white gold added a splash of colour to the look.
The Duchess wore her hair in an elegant updo tonight and it added a very polished finish to the glamorous look. We rarely see Kate wearing her hair up - I'm so glad she did tonight and it allowed her to show off the details of her stunning gown.
You can watch a video on YouTube.
Do you like Kate's look tonight?
The Zarita is very much a core piece in DVF's collection. Below we see the knee-length version of the dress in red and pink.
 |
| DVF |
A shorter version of the Zarita dress is widely available in a selection of colourways. Nordstrom is selling the dress reduced from €296 to €236, and it's also in stock at DVF, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-A-Porter and ShopBop.
 |
| DVF |
The Duchess selected her black suede Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps for the evening.
 |
| Jimmy Choo |
Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Lola blue topaz hoop earrings and carried her sequin black clutch.
The dazzling earrings retail for £3,200. The blue topaz and diamond hoops in 18ct white gold added a splash of colour to the look.
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| Kiki McDonough |
The Duchess wore her hair in an elegant updo tonight and it added a very polished finish to the glamorous look. We rarely see Kate wearing her hair up - I'm so glad she did tonight and it allowed her to show off the details of her stunning gown.
You can watch a video on YouTube.
Do you like Kate's look tonight?
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We have one other brief updated to share tonight. The Palace announced Kate, patron, will attend the East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) Norfolk Capital Appeal Launch at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich on 25 November. The Duchess will meet families, volunteers and supporters of the hospice before joining the local community in watching the launch of the appeal.
No official news on William and Kate's trip to New York next month, however, we expect to hear very soon!
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