Wills & Kate Step in for The Queen and Attend the Royal Variety Performance

Daily Mail/Tim Rooke/REX

 

Last night, William and Kate attended the star-studded Royal Variety Performance in London.

Daily Mail/Tim Rooke/REX

 

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It was the first time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have represented the Queen at the annual event. Last year the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were in the royal box.

Daily Mail/Justin Goff/GoffPhotos.com

 

Daily Mail/Tim Rooke/REX

 

Daily Mail/David Fisher/Rex Features

 

The event is held in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, of which the Queen is patron. The show will be screened on ITV in December.

Daily Mail/PA

 

Daily Mail/PA

 

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The royal couple arrived at the Palladium Theatre and were greeted by Lord Lloyd-Webber, the theatre's owner, and Lady Lloyd-Webber ahead of the performance. The Duchess was introduced to Laurie Mansfield, EABF life president, and the charity's chairman Giles Cooper.

Daily Mail/AFP/Getty Images

 

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They also briefly met some of the performers before going into the auditorium, including boy band One Direction.

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Daily Mail/UK Press via Getty Images

 

Daily Mail/David Fisher/REX

 

This year's show, was hosted by the comedian Michael McIntyre, with performances by Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding, Dame Shirley Bassey and Bette Midler.

Daily Mail/PA

 

Daily Mail/David Fisher/Rex Features

 

Net-a-Porter

 

Kate sparkled in a floor-length, black lace dress by US designer Diane von Furstenberg ($900). The 'Zarita' lace gown features a fitted bodice, fluted hem and delicate lace sleeves. As of this writing, the dress is still available in size 2 at Net-a-Porter.

 

Net-a-Porter

 

Net-a-Porter

 

Additional Details:

 

'This season Diane von Furstenberg translates the universally flattering 'Zarita' dress into a stunning lace gown.

Fitted through the bodice, waist and thigh, this piece opens to a sweeping fluted hem.

 

Black lace
Concealed hook and zip fastening at back
70% rayon, 30% nylon; lining1: 97% polyester, 3% spandex; lining2: 100% polyester
Dry clean'

 

Express/PA

 

Jeff Moore/SplashNews.com/WKW

 

kiki.co.uk

 

Jimmy Choo

 

The Duchess complemented her gorgeous gown by accessorizing with a black beaded clutch (still UFO), her Kiki McDonough Blue Topaz 'Lola' Hoops (£3,200), and her black, suede Jimmy Choo 'Cosmic' platform pumps.

Hello Magazine/Getty Images

 

She had her brunette locks pinned back into an elegant low chignon.

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Daily Mail/David Fisher/REX

 Update 11/27/2014

WKW

 

Thanks to a follower on WKW, Kate's elusive black beaded clutch has been ID'ed! It is by Magid and seems to be a vintage piece.