Kate and William put on a united front last night amid race scandal

The Princess of Wales brushed off the fallout from a race row yesterday evening as she glistened in a show-stopping gown upon arrival at the Royal Variety Performance. Kate, 41, paired her stunning £1,288 Talina gown from Safiyaa with an equally dazzling smile as she stepped out in Kensington, showing no sign of anguish after a turbulent week for the royal family following the release of a bombshell book. 

Senior royals in the UK are said to be ‘dismayed’ at the row after the book by Omid Scobie mentioned two names of senior royals he claimed expressed ‘concerns’ about the colour of Prince Archie’s skin. The Dutch version of his book Endgame was pulled from shelves in the Netherlands after it appeared to name the two royals – something Scobie has put down to a translation error. 

Amid the controversy, the Princess of Wales maintained a ‘business as usual’ attitude as she attended the annual event with Prince William and their guests, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden , dressed in a black Toteme frock, and Prince Daniel. 

The pair identified in the book were named widely by media organisations around the world last night, including the Guardian and the Times, as King Charles and Kate. However, the Princess brushed off the mentions as she arrived at the Royal Variety Performance 2023 in the show-stopping gown which featured flared sleeves and statement shoulders, plus a gem-encrusted high-neck. she donned a chunky gem bracelet with matching earrings, carried a sparkling clutch bag and wore her thick brunette locks in bouncy curls. Pictured: The Prince and Princess of Wales meeting Paloma Faith last night.

Meanwhile Prince William looked sharp in a black tuxedo, and he acted as the perfect gentleman as he held out his hand for his wife as they took to the red carpet. On arrival they met ITV executives before being introduced to Daphne Selfe, who at 95 is the world’s oldest supermodel. Excited crowds gathered outside the hall to peer through the windows for the royal arrival. Speaking to Ms Selfe, Prince William said: ‘You’re modelling at 95, that is incredible,’ before adding: ‘They don’t make you travel about too much do they?’ Pictured: The Prince of Wales talking to a glamorous Cher at the Royal Albert Hall last night.

The Princess of Wales and the Princess of Sweden were then presented with floral bouquets made from English & Swedish national flowers. Before the performance started Prince and Princess of Wales were welcomed in the royal box with a rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’ performed by West End star Samantha Barks, who plays Elsa in the musical Frozen. 

The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which supports members of the entertainment industry with a nationwide grants scheme, to help those who’ve worked professionally in the entertainment industry during this very difficult economic climate. 

Bradley Walsh, who hosted the show, said it was ‘an honour’ to serve the monarchy and present the Royal Variety Performance – but joked that he would be grateful for a CBE. There was also a brief appearance from Simon Cowell, who came on stage wearing Bono-esque yellow-tinted glasses for his ‘terrible eyesight’ to introduce Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn (CORR). The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared to particularly enjoy a sketch from West End magician Simon Lipkin, where Bradley Walsh played the role of a servant.

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