The Duchess of Cambridge sported a daring new hairstyle – and recycled a stylish dress – as she dazzled at the Royal Variety Performance last night.
Kate, 39, looked sensational in a green sequinned gown by Jenny Packham that she first wore on a 2019 tour of Pakistan.
More eye-catching, however, was her hair. Gone was her familiar bouncy blow dry. Instead, she had tightly curled her locks and swept them over to one side in a more modern style.
It certainly hit the right note for comedian Alan Carr who joked with Prince William that he was ‘not hitting on his wife’ after complimenting Kate.
Greeting the Royals to the 94th annual performance, which this year was held at the Royal Albert Hall, host Carr said to the duchess: ‘You look absolutely beautiful.’
Addressing the duke, who looked smart in a classic navy suede tuxedo, the comedian added: ‘Sir, I am sure you do not know who I am but I am not hitting on your wife.’
Before the performance, a posy of flowers was presented to the duchess by ten-year-old Poppy Clee and the show programme was given to the duke by ten-year-old Rowan Clarke, who was asked what music he liked by William.
Last year, the charity event was held at the Blackpool Opera House in front of a virtual audience due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thrifty Kate, 39, cut a chic figure in a recycled custom floor-length green gown by Jenny Packham teamed with towering suede stiletto heels as she arrived at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday evening
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stood in the royal box as they sang the national anthem during the Royal Variety Performance
The Duchess of Cambridge was all smiles as she was handed a beautiful posy during the star-studded event (pictured)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after watching the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall
Prince William speaks with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran after the Royal Variety Performance
Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London
Life-President of the Royal Variety charity Laurie Mansfield said after last night’s show: ‘It is fabulous that it is back, doing entertainment for a full audience of 5,000 people. It is just remarkable in these times for the charity, it is a godsend.’ The duke and duchess watched performances by many famous faces including music from Years & Years, James Blunt, Elvis Costello, Gregory Porter and Anne-Marie.
The cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, who are celebrating ten years in the West End, also performed at the charity event, as did the cast of Moulin Rouge The Musical and Cirque du Soleil.
Celebrating 100 years of Royal patronage, the Queen wrote a letter to the Royal Variety Charity sending her best wishes for the evening. The event is staged to raise money to help those people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance.
The mother of-three, who looked positively glowing, sported a bolder make-up look than usual, opting for smoky eye-shadow which she set off with pink lipstick.
She donned a pair of £125 gold dangling earrings by Missoma, wearing no other jewellery than her engagement and wedding rings, and carried a simple green custom Jenny Packham clutch bag which complemented her outfit.
The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, of which Her Majesty The Queen is Patron.
The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who need help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times. This year sees the centenary of the reigning Monarch being Patron, commencing with King George V in 1921.
Kate Middleton seen leaving the Royal Variety Performance 2021 at the Royal Albert Hall in London
Kate Middleton seen leaving the Royal Variety Performance 2021 at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The Duchess of Cambridge speaking to Anne-Marie after the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall
The royal couple were joined by Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton, along with her brother James and his new wife Alizée Thevenet
Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton, along with her brother James and his new wife Alizée Thevenet, could all be seen standing and singing the National Anthem
The Duke of Cambridge speaking to Rod Stewart after the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall
The Duchess of Cambridge was given a flowers by 10-year-old Poppy Clee and Rowan Clarke on her arrival
The royal could be seen bending down and shaking hands with 10 year old Poppy Clee after she handed of a stunning bouquet of flowers
The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured) could be seen singing the national anthem as she attended the annual star-studded show, which this year is hosted by Alan Carr
The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, of which Her Majesty The Queen is Patron. Pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (centre) arrive for the Royal Variety Performance
The Duchess of Cambridge speaking to Alan Carr after the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall
The Duke of Cambridge speaking to Gregory Porter after the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall
The mother of-three sported a bolder make-up look than usual, opting for smoky eye-shadow which she set off with pink lipstick
The royal donned a pair of gold dangling earrings (pictured, left and right), wearing no other jewellery than her engagement and wedding rings, and carried a simple green clutch bag which complemented her outfit
Thrifty Kate cut a chic figure in a glamorous green gown by Jenny Packham which she first wore during an official tour of Pakistan in October 2019
Kate first wore the gown during an official royal tour of Pakistan in October 2019 (pictured, left) and right, at the Royal Variety Performance
The mother-of-three appeared to be in high spirits as she walked the red carpet on Thursday evening (pictured)
Kate’s embellished green gown (pictured, left and right) featured long sleeves, structured shoulders and crystal detailing around the neckline and waist
The mother-of-three who looked positively glowing carried a simple green clutch bag which complemented her outfit
Kate, who sported £125 Zenyu Chandelier Hoop Earrings by Missoma, was seen waving to wellwishers as she arrived in London
The Duchess of Cambridge was all smiles as she spoke to guests at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London
The Duchess of Cambridge was all smiles as she arrived at the Royal Variety Performance (pictured)
The evening will be hosted by Alan Carr and will include performances from Ed Sheeran, Sir Rod Stewart, the cast of Matilda The Musical, Anne Marie, Years and Years, the cast of Cirque du Soleil, James Blunt, the cast of Moulin Rouge The Musical and Germany’s The Messoudi Brothers.
It will also feature performances from Gregory Porter and Elvis Costello, as well as a special collaboration by actress Keala Settle and the Some Voices choir.
In 2021, the Royal Variety Charity has continued to support members of the entertainment industry with its own nationwide grants scheme, assisting many people who have found this past year a particularly difficult one.
The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William put on a very stylish display for the annual star-studded event (pictured)
Kate looked the picture of elegance as she arrived in the embellished custom green gown (pictured)
Kate looked the picture of elegance and accessorised with a simple gold bag and pair of matching earrings
The royal couple were all smiles as they arrived at the event which takes place every year, either in London or in a theatre around the United Kingdom
Prince William shook hands as his wife Kate watched on as the royal couple arrived for an evening of entertainment (pictured)
The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who need help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times. Pictured, the royal couple on arrival
The Duchess of Cambridge smiled as she arrived alongside her husband Prince William this evening (pictured, left and right), before being joined by her parents and brother once inside
The evening will be hosted by Alan Carr and will include performances from Ed Sheeran, Sir Rod Stewart and the cast of Matilda The Musical. Pictured, the royal couple
The Royal Variety Charity also continues to manage its own care home, Brinsworth House in Twickenham.
The nursing and care staff have ensured that the home remains a place of safety, peace, and happiness for retired members of the entertainment industry.
The residents are now back showing off their own theatrical skills and even producing and performing their own stage shows.
On the night, Their Royal Highnesses will meet a number of performers as well as Royal Variety Charity and ITV executives, both before and after the show.