Mel B has admitted she can’t be called Scary Spice today because people would find it offensive.

The 48-year-old singer, who rose to fame as part of ’90s girl band Spice Girls, adopted the nickname after one of their first interviews.

But now Mel has said the name wouldn’t be as accepted in this ‘day and age’ because the world is ‘a bit too politically correct’.

Despite this, she revealed that she still loves the nickname and thirty years after the girl group formed, they are “still the same.”

In 1994 it exploded onto the music scene and each member was given a handle: Scary, Posh (Victoria Beckham), Ginger (Geri Halliwell), Baby (Emma Bunton) and Sporty (Melanie Chisolm).

When asked how she felt about being nicknamed ‘Scary Spice’, Mel B told Elizabeth Day on television How to make podcasts failt: ‘I think we are a bit too politically correct now. I have calmed down in recent years.

“In the past, if you would interview me, I would say, ‘Show me your questions.’ I would be the protector of the group that comes in there. “Wait a second.”

“That could be seen as maybe a little too Northern, or maybe a little too spicy, or scary, so that name was given – and I love it.”

Mel B said her nickname is derived from the “obvious fact” that she is “a little scary” with “larger than life hair.”

She added, “That’s just me. But today someone would have taken offense to that. But I don’t take offense.

“Whether you’re black, white or mixed, there’s a little bit of fear in all of us.”

The girl group were all given a nickname after they were interviewed for an article in Top of the Pops magazine in July 1996.

The singer said despite 30 years having passed since they were first conceived, she thinks “we’re still the same.”

She continued, “And I just want to be clear: When those names were given to us, it was by a lazy journalist from a tiny poppy magazine and he couldn’t be bothered to remember our full names.

“So he was like, well, that one looks a little scary because she already took my notes and she has all this crazy hair and leopard print nails, so he just called us off the rack.

“We were all like, God, I kind of like my name.”

‘It’s funny because to this day Emma loves pink and if she had her way she would put her hair in ponytails.

“Mel C, you can never get her out of a tracksuit, and she always has her hair in a ponytail.

‘Victoria is very slick and elegant. Gerry, she’s gone through a little change, but she’s still that vibrant Union Jack girl underneath her, the lady of fashion.

“We’re all exactly the same, which is great when you think we started when we were 17, 18, 19 and now we’re 48, 49, 50.”

It comes after Melanie C revealed Mel B was exaggerating when she teased there would be a Spice Girls reunion.

The singer, 50 – also known as Sporty Spice – poured cold water on hopes the band would get back together.

Scary Spice Mel B teased last year that an announcement involving all five members would be coming soon.

But Mel C has now squashed the rumors, as she said The sun: ‘Mel, I love her and she has this thing, and it can get us in trouble sometimes. Of course we are always in discussions, we would like to do something different.

“I would love to be back on stage with the girls, but everyone wants to do something different or in a different way, so it’s just trying to get everyone on the same page at the same time.

‘But Melanie likes to manifest things and she thinks if she says it often enough, it will happen. I can’t confirm anything happening anytime soon, but we always talk about opportunities.”

Last May, Mel B said former bandmate Victoria would be rejoining the Spice Girls for a mystery project.

She claimed an exciting announcement was in the pipeline for the girl power group, but kept the details tight.

She did promise that “all five girls” would work together professionally for the first time in eleven years.

The last time the Spice Girls reunited was in an iconic performance at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

In 2019, the band set out on a UK stadium tour, but fashion designer Victoria, 49, notably opted not to participate, claiming she was too busy with her clothing brand.

Mel B revealed that the five Wannabe hitmakers would soon release a statement about their secret project and are currently working on ‘perfecting’ it.

THEY were once practically sisters, enjoying the bright lights of global superstardom and living in each other’s pockets.

But what lies beneath the surface of Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell’s thirty-year friendship is today shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

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The women became perhaps the most successful band members of the Spice Girls, whose Girl Power catapulted them to unimaginable heights.

But then they went their separate ways.

Victoria became a high-end fashion designer who for years seemed determined to shake off the Spice Girl shackles. Geri embarked on a solo career and is now a country woman.

Their friendship seemed to last, but it is not entirely surprising that after thirty years theirs, like that of many others, comes with ups, downs, tensions and in some cases competitiveness.

But you could argue that every woman is still seemingly vying for the top spot.

Just this week, Geri unfollowed Victoria, her husband David, and their son Brooklyn, only to refollow them days later, leading fans to speculate that their friendship had hit rocky ground.

“Geri and Victoria have an almost sisterly relationship. It’s a case of ‘anything you can do, I can do better’, reveals a showbiz insider.

“They have been friends for decades and have probably had even more problems behind closed doors.

“Both ladies have always wanted to be the standout star. After all, they became perhaps the two most successful members outside of the Spice Girls.

“Their competitiveness doesn’t mean they aren’t happy for each other, but their ‘frenemy’ status shows how they use each other to motivate themselves to keep doing bigger and better things.

“With this kind of competitiveness, it will undoubtedly result in an artificial relationship as they continue their struggle to be the Alpha.”

Geri’s sudden departure from the band in 1998 ruffled Victoria’s feathers and sparked the beginnings of seemingly deep-seated tensions.

Most notably, Victoria spoke about the departure within her [2001] book Learning to Fly, in which she wrote: ‘I had known Geri for four years, we had shared a room, we had experienced the most special experiences of our lives together.

‘She was one of my best friends. And now she had walked out without saying a word. What I felt was anger at the selfishness of it all, and then betrayal.”

Geri later threw shade at Victoria during an interview in which she revealed she chose Emma Bunton over her.

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Their latest rumored clash suggests the girls just can’t let go of their tensions.

It came amid reports that Geri was ‘supported by’ Victoria, while her husband Christian Horner is under investigation for ‘inappropriate behaviour’.

The criticism on social media has reignited rumors about what is really going on behind the scenes and whether the couple could now be in enemy territory.

Relations between the women were often rocky.

In 2002, Geri suggested in her book Just for the Record that she wanted a fresh start, away from the Spice Girls.

She wrote: “Everyone seemed to have an opinion on what Ginger Spice should do next – the only one who wasn’t so sure was me. I didn’t know if I would make it on my own or fall flat. my face, but I knew that this time it was Geri, not Ginger, who would take the lead.’

This time it was Geri, not Ginger, who would take the lead.”

Geri

Despite obvious friction in the aftermath of Geri’s departure, the women called a truce and were spotted in southern France just four months later.

It was reported at the time that Victoria, then 25, was the only one to meet Geri after she ran away.

The girl band split for good in 2000, but not before Victoria and David Beckham tied the knot in a glamorous £500,000 wedding, but tongues were wagging again in Geri’s absence.

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It was never made clear whether Geri was invited to the wedding in Dublin.

Victoria later denied not inviting her, and as she graced her infamous gold throne alongside David at their extravagant Castle wedding on July 4, 1999, Geri sang live on stage at Party in the Park in London.

While Victoria focused on her fashion label, Geri released three solo albums and number one singles, including Mic Chico Latino and It’s Raining Men, and became a judge on TV talent shows Popstars: The Rivals and The X Factor.

But Victoria followed suit and was soon back on the music scene, releasing her own debut solo album and two Top 10 singles, including Out of Your Mind.

She starred in her own reality show Being Victoria Beckham, made a cameo in Ugly Betty and was a judge on Project Runway, Germany’s Next Top Model and American Idol.

It should have been the best moment of my life, but I just wanted to be somewhere else.”

Victoria Beckham

The entire Spice Girls gang – including Victoria – came together in 2012 for an epic live show at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics.

Fans were thrilled about the reunion, but five months later in 2013, rumors swirled around Victoria, who reportedly dropped rumors about plans for the girl band to embark on a “last fling” world tour.

By this time, Victoria was a thriving fashion designer with catwalk shows and was rumored to be uninterested in a Spice Girls tour.

She told Paris Vogue: “I realized it was over for good in 2008 when we reformed for our reunion tour. It should have been the best moment of my life, but I just wanted to be somewhere else.”

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An inside source claimed at the time that Geri was pushing their manager Simon Fuller to hit the road again, but he wouldn’t continue without Victoria.

The tour was eventually canceled and news of a reunion disappeared.

But when it came to Geri’s fairytale wedding to F1 boss Christian Horner – which saw Geri change her surname from Halliwell to Horner – on May 15, 2015, the tables were turned.

Victoria was noticeably absent from the event due to work commitments during Singapore Fashion Week – with only Emma Bunton turning up from the Spice Girls clan.

But Victoria’s absence was not a total snub, a source told The Sun: “Victoria sent Geri a special dress from her own collection. Her new line features abstract hearts, so what better occasion to wear one than on your honeymoon?”

The sweet gesture was accompanied by a huge bouquet of flowers and a special note just for Geri.

I know it’s a bit boring for people – the number of times it was on and off again. Sorry about that.”

Geri

On the day of the wedding, Victoria wrote on social media: “My beautiful friend. Sending you love and happiness. I’m so sad that I couldn’t be with you on your special day. I love you.”

But when the Spice Girls announced a massive comeback tour in 2019, millions of fans went wild. But rumor had it that Victoria and Geri were already at odds behind the scenes.

Days after their big announcement in 2018, Posh reportedly demanded full control of the tour and even called in her publicist to handle it.

Sources at the time admitted to De Spiegel: “Geri would like to be a dominant voice, but because Victoria has been so reluctant to reunite, the balance of power is shifting in her favor.

“All five want this to go smoothly, but the tension is rising because the ball is in Victoria’s court.”

Victoria dropped out due to ‘work commitments’ and the tour continued with the remaining four singers Mel C, Mel B, Geri and Emma Bunton.

In an interview with The Sun in 2019, Geri apologized to fans: “I know it’s a bit boring for people – the amount of times it’s been on and off again. Sorry about that.”

Despite the friction, Victoria took to Instagram to support the band, using the hashtag ‘#FriendshipNeverEnds’, a nod to their 1996 hit.

But just as rumors of yet another reunion started floating through fansites in 2023 as the Spice Girls’ 30th anniversary approached, the idea appears to have stalled with suggestions that Victoria and Geri would be bossing each other around.

The glue that holds this rocky friendship together is certainly strong stuff.

Let’s hope it’s not a case of Goodbye [my friend] coming soon for icons Posh and Ginger.

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By Alison Boshoff Lead Show Business Writer

Published: 09:49 EST, February 20, 2024 | Updated: 1:13 PM EST, February 20, 2024

• Pictures have emerged of Horner enjoying a day out at Badbury Rings in Dorset

By Danya Bazaraa and Mark Duell

Published: 07:05 EST, February 19, 2024 | Updated: 07:24 EST, February 19, 2024

This year’s Royal Variety Performance will hit TV screens across the country next Sunday.

The star-studded event took place on November 30, with Hollywood stars and royalty in attendance.

Many eagerly await this star-studded event every year and wonder which talent will take to the Albert Hall’s world-famous stage.

But who’s in the lineup this year and which royals are going? MailOnline tells everything you need to know about the performance that will be broadcast this weekend.

Who hosts the Royal Variety Show?

Actor and The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh will present the Royal Variety Show this Sunday.

Discussing his upcoming hosting gig, the Clothy Blank host said, “I’m so excited to host this year’s show.

‘It’s been thirty years since I first performed at the Royal Variety Performance, so what an absolute honor to be hosting.’

“The line-up is incredible and I can’t wait for you all to see what I have in store.”

This isn’t Bradley’s first rodeo, as he previously performed at the Royal Variety Show three times, in 1995, 1999 and 2005.

Which royals will be present at the Royal Variety Show?

King Charles III has not attended a Royal Variety Performance since his appointment as monarch.

In 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – Prince Edward and Sophie – represented the royal household at the event.

A year earlier, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, attended the show on behalf of the family.

This year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the show again, accompanied by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden.

Who will be performing at the Royal Variety Show?

Superstars and musical theater stars will grace the stage at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.

Headliner and pop icon Cher will perform a number of songs from her brand new Christmas album Cher Christmas.

But she won’t be the only pop powerhouse to step out: The Spice Girls’ Melanie C will pay a heartwarming tribute to theater producer Bill Kenwright.

Another Hollywood name taking up the baton to perform is Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham, who will perform alongside the ENO choir.

There will also be no shortage of musical acts, with McFly – celebrating their 20th anniversary – Zara Larsson, Paloma Faith and Rick Astley set to sing.

But the evening won’t just welcome pop music fans; there will also be plenty of theater highlights for those who prefer the West End to the UK Top 40 charts.

The two-and-a-half-hour show will see several beloved Disney casts – including The Lion King, Frozen, Hercules, Aladdin and Beauty & The Beast – flow across the stage to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.

West End musicals will also be unleashed on stage, with medleys from the casts of Crazy for You, The Little Big Things and Sister Act, led by vocal virtuoso Beverly Knight.

West End show Unbelievable – written by Derren Brown, Andrew O’Connor and Andy Nyman – will also take center stage.

The Royal Variety Performance 2023 line-up includes leading pianist Lang Lang, who will share the spotlight with child prodigy and winner of Channel 4’s The Piano, Lucy, 14.

Viewers will have laughed, with Tom Allen, Rosie Jones, Ellie Taylor and Simon Brodkin lining up to make the audience burst into laughter.

Another comedian set to perform is Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Ven, who will be welcomed by Simon Cowell.

Marching in the spotlight are the Fanfare Trumpeters of The Band of the Welsh Guards, with the National Youth Choir, who will perform the national anthem.

The Royal Variety Performance 2023 airs on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 17 December at 8pm.

Emma Bunton stapte maandag met haar arm in een mitella naar de Ultimate Christmas Quiz in The Kings Arms in Londen nadat ze vorige week een procedure aan haar schouder had ondergaan.

Zij en haar Spice Girls-bandgenoot Melanie C verschenen opgewekt terwijl ze hielpen bij het inzamelen van meer dan £ 100.000 bij Children with Kanker Britse quiz.

Emma, ​​47, gaf een glamoureuze show in een zwarte mesh-jurk onder een blazer, gecombineerd met bijpassende hakken.

De zangeres droeg een mesh-armband nadat ze vorige week een ‘kleine procedure’ aan haar schouder had ondergaan.

Haar uitje komt nadat ze de fans vertelde dat ze in het ziekenhuis had gelegen voor een procedure aan haar schouder nadat ze ‘een tijdje pijn had gehad’.

In een bericht dat voorafgaand aan de procedure op haar Instagram Stories werd gedeeld, schreef Emma vorige week: ‘Vandaag een kleine procedure op mijn schouder. Ik heb al een tijdje pijn, dus ik kan niet wachten. #butnervous #earlydoors.’

Ze leek op weg naar herstel toen ze glimlachte bij de gebeurtenis terwijl ze haar arm in een zwarte mesh-draagdoek liet rusten met glinsterende juwelen erop.

Ondertussen zag Mel – ook wel bekend als Sporty Spice – er typisch stijlvol uit in een rood-wit trainingspak.

Laura Whitmore gehuld in een zwarte trenchcoat met verenversiering, leggings en enkellaarzen.

De voormalige Love Island-presentator werd vergezeld door haar echtgenoot Ian Stirling, die een beige jasje droeg.

The Ultimate Christmas Quiz’for Children with Cancer UK, gepresenteerd door cabaretier en tv-favoriet Rob Brydon, verwelkomde een sterrengroep van beroemde teamcaptains die de strijd aangingen voor een publiek van veilingwinnaars.

De beroemdheden hielpen meer dan £100.000 in te zamelen tijdens de Ultimate Christmas Quiz van Children with Cancer UK.

Jo Elvin, CEO van Children with Cancer UK, zei: ‘We zijn absoluut onder de indruk van het ongelooflijke bedrag dat is ingezameld voor onze inaugurele Ultimate Christmas Quiz en we willen graag ons briljante team van beroemde teamcaptains bedanken, evenals iedereen die was aanwezig en nam deel aan de avond – zonder jullie hadden we dit niet kunnen doen.

‘We weten dat Kerstmis een bijzonder moeilijke tijd kan zijn voor jonge kankerpatiënten en hun families, wanneer geliefde feesttradities worden ingeruild voor ziekenhuisverblijven en behandeling.

‘Daarom willen we zoveel mogelijk geld inzamelen, zodat we levensreddend onderzoek kunnen blijven financieren, het bewustzijn over de ziekte kunnen vergroten en cruciale steun kunnen bieden aan elke jongere met kanker.’

Het uitje van Mel en Emma komt nadat werd gemeld dat The Spice Girls herenigd worden om een ​​jukebox-muziekfilm te maken.

Volgens berichten is de meidenband ‘vergevorderde onderhandelingen’ begonnen over een film met hun grootste hits.

Bronnen zeggen dat de film zal worden geproduceerd door SeeSaw Films en een coming-of-age-verhaal zal zijn over een Spice Girls-superfan.

Het nieuws komt 26 jaar nadat de cultklassieker Spice World van de band uitkwam en een kaskraker werd.

In de film uit 1997 speelden de meisjes gefictionaliseerde versies van zichzelf in de aanloop naar een groot concert in de Royal Albert Hall in Londen.

In een gesprek met The Sun zei een bron: ‘Iedereen is erg enthousiast over dit script, maar het zal een totaal ander nummer zijn dan Spice World.

‘De meisjes komen er niet in voor, maar het is in wezen een vriendelijk, vrolijk coming of age-verhaal – een jukebox-musical – over een kind dat geobsedeerd is door de Spice Girls.

‘Wat stijl betreft lijkt het heel erg op Take That’s recente Great Days-film, die is aangepast van hun show. Het zal worden onderschreven door de band – ze hebben alle vijf getekend voor het project – en er zullen een aantal van hun nummers op staan.’

MailOnline heeft contact opgenomen met vertegenwoordigers van de Spice Girls voor commentaar.

Ze voegen eraan toe dat Geri Horner de leiding heeft, regelmatig met de producer spreekt en dat ze graag van de film een ​​hit wil maken.

De band hoopt dat de voorgestelde film succesvoller zal zijn dan hun noodlottige West End-musical, Viva Forever.

De jukeboxmusical werd in 2012 geopend en kreeg enorme negatieve recensies van critici.

In mei 2013 werd aangekondigd dat de show na slechts zeven maanden zou sluiten, met een verlies van ‘minstens £ 5 miljoen’ als gevolg van slechte kaartverkoop.

Het filmnieuws komt nadat Geri de geruchten heeft stopgezet dat de Spice Girls volgend jaar herenigd zullen worden om op Glastonbury op te treden ter gelegenheid van hun 30-jarig jubileum.

Rapporten beweerden dat alle vijf de oorspronkelijke leden in 2024 zouden herenigen voor een headliner op Worthy Farm.

Ginger Spice, 51, heeft nu ontkend dat Emma Bunton, 47, Mel Brown, 48, Mel Chisholm, 49, en Victoria Beckham, 49, weer bij elkaar komen om de Pyramid Stage te headlinen.

Ze onthulde dat het nooit op de planning stond om zich te herenigen voor het festival, maar plaagde dat er misschien binnenkort iets zou gebeuren.

In een gesprek met The Sunday Times liet ze doorschemeren: ‘Er komt een moment dat er iets zal gebeuren.’

De band betrad voor het laatst het podium in 2019 voor een ongelooflijke Britse tournee van 13 dagen, maar Posh Spice was afwezig.

Onlangs ging het gerucht dat Geri, Emma, ​​Mel B en Mel C voorlopig hebben ingestemd met tourdata in 2024, waarbij de voorheen afwezige Victoria ‘ideeën op tafel bracht’.

Een bron vertelde aan The Sun: ‘Victoria wordt volgend jaar 50, en de meisjes die 30 worden lijken twee jubilea die te mooi zijn om te missen.

‘De meisjes hebben een documentaire besproken met nooit eerder vertoonde beelden van achter de schermen plus hedendaagse interviews. Ze zijn alle vijf aan boord om op de een of andere manier 30 jaar te vieren. Het is erg spannend.’

De band werd opgericht in 1994 en de debuutsingle Wannabe bereikte in 1996 de top van de hitlijsten in 37 landen.

De band nam een ​​pauze in 2000 toen Victoria de band verliet en in 2007 kort herenigd werd voor een wereldwijde tournee, waarbij de kaartjes voor hun Londense O2-optreden binnen twee minuten uitverkocht waren.

Vijf jaar later traden alle vijf de leden op tijdens de slotceremonie van de Olympische Spelen in Londen.

Cher zag er fantastisch uit toen ze donderdagavond met Hannah Waddingham op het podium stond tijdens de Royal Variety Performance 2023 in de Royal Albert Hall.

De legendarische zangeres, 77, gaf een gedurfde show in een leren korsettopje en leggings met studs terwijl ze deuntjes zong van haar aanstaande kerstalbum.

Hannah, 49, wist de essentie van koninklijke glamour te vatten toen ze haar rondingen liet zien in een nauwsluitende jurk met juwelen.

Ze werden vergezeld door mensen als Zara Larsson, McFly en Lang Lang die optraden met de blinde 13-jarige Lucy Illingworth van Channel 4 talentenjacht The Piano.

Melanie C, Paloma Faith, Beverley Knight, Rick Astley en de Britain’s Got Talent-winnaar van dit jaar, komiek Viggo Venn, betraden ook het podium.

Cher maakte haar punky look af door een wit overhemd onder haar topje te dragen en te combineren met leren handschoenen zonder vingers.

Ze voegde een choker met studs toe met een discobal-bedel en stijlde haar lange donkere haar in golven.

Hannah zag er ronduit sensationeel uit met een zijden gouden stropdas gedrapeerd rond haar prachtige ensemble, terwijl ze haar platina lokken elegant naar achteren gekamd hield.

Ze is nog meer een nationale schat geworden nadat ze eerder dit jaar gastheer was van het Britse Eurovisiesongfestival.

Zara, 25, droeg een aantal van haar hits uit en droeg een blitse crop-top, bijpassende minirok en kniehoge laarzen.

Elders wiegde Mel C op de rode loper terwijl ze donderdagavond de met sterren bezaaide aankomsten in de Royal Albert Hall leidde.

De Spice Girl, 49, zag er net zo chic uit als altijd toen ze met haar blauwe bh onder een opvallend wit pak liet zien terwijl ze als een van de eersten de rode loper betrad.

Ze werd op de rode loper vergezeld door actrice Hannah en Never Gonna Give You Up-zanger Rick Astley, 57, die er typisch onstuimig uitzag in een zwart pak.

De Royal Variety Performance wordt nu door meer dan 152 miljoen tv-kijkers wereldwijd bekeken, maar zal pas op 17 december worden uitgezonden.

Het is terug voor 2023 – en dit jaar zullen William en Kate in de koninklijke loge verschijnen, samen met kroonprinses Victoria van Zweden en haar echtgenoot, prins Daniel.

Het evenement van dit jaar belooft ‘internationale sterren, theater van wereldklasse, sensationele en hilarische komedie’ te presenteren in aanwezigheid van de koninklijke bezoekers.

Koning Charles zal niet aanwezig zijn op de klimaattop COP28 die dit jaar in de Verenigde Arabische Emiraten wordt gehouden.

Het evenement, dat nu voor de 111e keer plaatsvindt, wordt gepresenteerd door cabaretier Bradley Walsh. Het wordt echter niet live op tv uitgezonden en is op 17 december te zien op ITVX.

Dit jaar wordt het evenement gehouden in de Royal Albert Hall en komt het, zoals altijd, ten goede aan de liefdadigheidsinstelling Royal Variety.

Naast de beroemde koninklijke bezoekers was het evenement ook gastheer voor een overvloed aan beroemdheden en bekende gezichten.

Mel, volledige naam Mel Chisholm, woonde het evenement bij samen met theatervriend Ben Forster. Ze zag er altijd sportief uit, terwijl ze een glimp liet zien van haar strakke buikspieren onder het iconische ensemble.

Mel was erg glamoureus voor haar avondje uit, met haar kastanjebruine lokken in losse golven gestyled, terwijl ze een vleugje rode nagellak toevoegde.

De royals zelf hebben de gevolgen van een ‘racerij’, opnieuw aangewakkerd door journalist Omid Scobie, weggewuifd terwijl ze straalden bij aankomst op het evenement.

Kate, 41, combineerde haar prachtige jurk met een even oogverblindende glimlach toen ze Kensington binnenstapte, en vertoonde geen teken van angst na een turbulente week voor de koninklijke familie na de release van een geweldig boek.

Te midden van de controverse handhaafde de prinses van Wales een ‘business as usual’-houding terwijl ze het jaarlijkse evenement bijwoonde met prins William en hun gasten, kroonprinses Victoria en prins Daniel van Zweden.

Kate’s prachtige blauwgroen vloerlange jurk had wijd uitlopende mouwen en werd gecombineerd met diamanten sieraden. Ze droeg haar dikke donkerbruine lokken in krullen.

Ondertussen zag Prins William er scherp uit in een zwarte smoking, en hij gedroeg zich als de perfecte gentleman toen hij zijn hand uitstak naar zijn vrouw terwijl ze zich over de rode loper begaven.

Het Britse koningshuis zal ongetwijfeld hopen dat een avond vol entertainment in de Royal Albert Hall de aandacht zal afleiden van een ongemakkelijke week nadat de controverse van 2021 weer opdook.

It’s a unique event in which the finest performers of the day come together for one night of family-friendly entertainment with top-tier royals as guests of honour. 

The Royal Variety Performance is back – and this year will see William, Kate in the royal box, along with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel.

King Charles will be at the COP28 climate summit held this year in the United Arab Emirates. If, as many suspect, he’d rather be in Dubai than listening to compere Bradley Walsh and the gang, he’s been too polite to say so.

The King will know that the Palladium jamboree has been very much associated with the modern Royal family, ever since it was first staged for his great grandfather King George V, and has provided a number of memorable encounters – not least the moment when Dame Edna Everage paid an unexpected visit to Charles and Camilla in the royal box.

Some 152 million viewers worldwide are expected to tune in to watch the star-studded display on TV and online when it airs on ITV in December.

Headliner Cher will be singing tunes from her forthcoming Christmas album. She will be joined by pop luminaries McFly,  Paloma Faith and Rick Astley.

 His old Spice Girls chum Melanie C, will also be on stage, 26 years after her girl group told Prince Charles he was ‘very sexy’, kissed his cheek and pinched his bottom. 

After all, what is the great annual institution of the Royal Variety Performance without a few surprises?

 Even the first show in 1912 in which the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova danced for King George V and Queen Mary at the Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (which had been bedecked in three million rose petals for the occasion) had its moment of drama when Pavlova slapped her dance partner backstage, furious because she thought he’d received more applause than her.

 Since then many more moments have entered their place in theatrical history including the 1960 show – the first to be televised – when Sammy Davis Jr performed an electrifying eight-minute set. 

The Beatles made their irreverent debut on the show in 1963 when John Lennon asked: “Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you’d just rattle your jewellery.’

History doesn’t record whether Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, who were in attendance, did, indeed, shake their priceless baubles, but the Queen Mother is reported to have declared it, ‘one of the best shows I’ve seen’

 In 2013 Dame Edna Everage – aka comedian Barry Humphries playing his alter ego, the egomaniacal Aussie housewife – crashed the royal box and sat next to a terrified-looking Camilla.

 He only left when an assistant whispered in Dame Edna’s ear and the comedian deadpanned, ‘I’m so sorry, they’ve found me a better seat’. 

David Williams followed suit in 2016 with a rather more dismissive skit in which he dressed as an usher and berated the then Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall for taking the wrong seats and called them ‘riff raff’. 

But comedian Catherine Tate took it even further in 2005 when, performing as her rude schoolgirl character Lauren, she asked the Queen: ‘Are you disrespecting me?’ and later added: ‘Is one bovvered? Is one’s face bovvered?’. To which, the late monarch smiled politely. 

. In 2014, Prince Harry’s pal Ellie Goulding also entered the RVP annals when she performed in a record-breaking 600 sq ft dress that took a team five days to construct, and needed five puppeteers hidden underneath it making it move during the show. And who can forget Kate Middleton larking around with comedian Michael Macintyre, to the surreal sight of the late Queen meeting the azure-faced Blue Man Group, and a scantily-clad Kylie Minogue? 

Here, MailOnline looks back at the Royal Variety Show through the years…