Kate Middleton's two-word 'reaction' to Jessie J's performance at Royal Variety Performance
Jessie's powerful performance clearly moved the Princess of Wales
Kate Middleton made headlines during the Royal Variety Performance with her quiet but poignant reaction to Jessie J’s deeply personal performance.
As the singer delivered an emotional rendition of her new song I’ll Never Know Why, written in memory of her late friend and bodyguard who died by suicide, Kate was seen applauding from the Royal Box.
As shown in the ITV broadcast of the event, the Princess of Wales then turned to another guest and seemingly said Jessie’s performance was “very moving”.
Kate Middleton’s reaction to Jessie J at Royal Variety Performance
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the star-studded event at London’s Royal Albert Hall last month.
They opened the evening with the national anthem and took their seats for a three-hour showcase of music, theatre, and comedy, all in support of the Royal Variety Charity.
Kate, 43, stunned in a festive forest-green velvet gown by Safiyaa, paired with matching Manolo Blahnik heels and Cartier diamond jewellery.
Meanwhile, William looked sharp in a classic suit. The November 19 event marked their first joint red carpet appearance in over two years.
The two appeared “completely in sync,” according to HELLO!’s royal reporter Alex Hurtado, who noted the couple’s warmth on the red carpet.
Jessie J’s performance stood out as one of the evening’s most emotional moments. Wearing a black hoodie and tracksuit, the 37-year-old singer stripped back the glamour to spotlight the reality of depression.
“They don’t want to get up, put on a fancy dress or wear makeup,” Jessie explained after the performance, as reported by The Sun. “They’re just wearing their comfies on the sofa.”
Kate Middleton and Jessie J’s embracing moment
Backstage, Jessie and the Princess of Wales shared a heartfelt moment.
Both women have faced recent cancer diagnoses and bonded over their experiences.
Kate, whose treatment ended earlier this year, embraced the singer.
Jessie later recalled the exchange in an interview on This Morning: “I just saw a mum that has also gone through cancer publicly, and I just wanted to give her a hug. It was as simple as that.”
“I didn’t see her as the Princess of Wales. I mean, obviously, I did, and I was respectful. [It was] mum to mum, human to human,” Jessie continued. “I just said to her, ‘It’s inspiring.'”
Following her performance, Jessie also revealed that Prince William had expressed interest in her work and mental health advocacy.
“He would love to get me involved,” she shared, noting that both William and Kate are “interested and know how important it is to share the message” about mental health.
This year’s show, hosted by comedian Jason Manford, featured a line-up of performances including Kinky Boots, Just For One Day, Paddington: The Musical, Les Misérables, as well as musical guests Westlife and Katherine Jenkins.
Magician Harry Moulding and actor Stephen Fry also made appearances.
Read more: Kate Middleton’s touching Christmas gift to hospital where she received cancer treatment
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