Prince Edward and Sophie.Photo: David Parry - WPA Pool/Getty
It’s a glittering night out forPrince EdwardandSophie, Countess of Wessex!
The couple attended the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Thursday evening, representing the royal family as the evening’s guests of honor.
The annual performance supports the Royal Variety Charity, of which the lateQueen Elizabethserved as patron. The money raised helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the U.K. who need help and assistance as a result of old age, poor health or hard times. This year’s star-studded lineup included George Ezra, Becky Hill,Andrew Lloyd Webber,Rita Wilson, Cirque du Soleil, Giffords Circus, the London Youth Choir and many more.
Ellie Gouldingalso performed at the event — the singer is also slated to travel to Boston for the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Friday, whichPrince WilliamandKate Middletonwill attend as the highlight of their three-day U.S. visit.
King Charles III,Prince William, Kate,Prince HarryandMeghan Marklehave all previously attended the glittering night out on behalf of the royal family. The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 40, went to the Royal Variety Performancelast year, following a pandemic-restricted event in 2020.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Sophie and Prince Edward’s attendance as this year’s royal guests comes after King Charleslaunched the processof having Prince Edward andPrincess Annebecome Counsellors of State. These royal representatives can stand in for the monarch in official duties if he is abroad or unwell. The petition signals that the King imagines an elevated role for siblings Prince Edward and Princess Anne, 72. The update comes as current Counsellors of StatePrince HarryandPrince Andrewcannot be called upon, as they are no longer working members of the royal family.
source: people.com
