Kate Middleton and Prince William made a heartwarming return to the red carpet for the Royal Variety Performance, a tradition that dates back to King George V. The couple, who have been married for 14 years, attended the annual event in London, showcasing their enduring bond and shared commitment to royal duties. This marked their sixth time attending the event together since their marriage, with the previous joint appearance in 2023 during a rare double date with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden.
During the glamorous evening, the couple donned matching velvet ensembles, with Kate Middleton opting for a deep emerald V-neck gown that accentuated her elegance. The princess was also adorned with the Greville diamond chandelier earrings, a piece passed down from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and previously favored by her late daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. William, meanwhile, chose a classic look with a bow tie and velvet suit jacket, embodying the traditional royal aesthetic. The pair’s affectionate moments, including William placing his hand on Kate’s back as he guided her into the hall, were widely noted by onlookers and media commentators.
The event served as a fundraiser for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports entertainment professionals in need, a cause that aligns with the couple’s long-standing engagement with charitable initiatives. Before taking their seats in the royal box, Kate was handed flowers by her nine-year-old twins, Emelie and Olivia Edwards, who expressed their disappointment at missing the show. Kate reassured the children, noting the importance of keeping the event a secret, highlighting her role as a devoted parent and public figure.
Media outlets and royal commentators, including British broadcaster Helena Chard and former King Charles III butler Grant Harrold, praised the couple’s dynamic, likening their relationship to that of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Harrold highlighted Kate’s role as a supportive partner, noting her ability to keep William grounded and offer encouragement, qualities he believed were essential for a royal spouse. The royal couple’s presence at the event reinforced their continued prominence in the public eye, despite recent personal challenges, including Kate’s cancer treatment, which she concluded in January 2025.