At the Royal Variety Performance charity gala in London, a meeting drew public attention. The Princess of Wales, 43-year-old Kate Middleton, and 37-year-old singer Jessie J shared a heartfelt embrace at Royal Albert Hall. It later emerged that a deep personal story connected the two women, giving special meaning to the moment.
The singer revealed that as a mother recently diagnosed with cancer, she felt the need to simply hug the Princess. According to her, both women know how difficult it is to go through such an ordeal, especially under the gaze of the entire world. This moment of mutual understanding and support between two prominent women who have faced similar challenges deeply moved those in attendance.
The event, hosted by comedian Jason Manford, was organized to raise funds for the Royal Variety Charity. The foundation supports entertainment industry professionals who are struggling with mental health issues. Alongside Jessie J, the evening’s program featured performances by Icelandic singer Laufey, as well as cast members from the musicals ‘Paddington’s Adventures’ and ‘Les Misérables’.
For the occasion, Princess Kate chose a striking emerald velvet gown by Talbot Runhof, pairing it with long chandelier earrings. She was accompanied by her husband, Prince William, dressed in an elegant black velvet tuxedo. This was the couple’s first appearance at the Royal Variety Performance in two years.
The Princess of Wales is gradually returning to her public duties after a break for treatment. In March 2024, she announced she was undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis. By September that year, her treatment was completed, and in January 2025, it was revealed that the illness had gone into remission. In her address, she expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported her and Prince William during this challenging time, highlighting the exceptional care and professionalism of the medical staff.
Jessie J’s story is also one of battling health issues. In June last year, the singer revealed she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She soon underwent surgery, with a second procedure initially scheduled for October but later postponed. The artist explained to her fans that, after consulting with several surgeons, they decided to wait a little longer. Despite her disappointment over the cancelled tour, she emphasized that the situation was beyond her control. Recently, Jessie J shared that five months have passed since the operation and she is still on the road to recovery, seeking to better understand the causes of the illness and how to prevent its return.
