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Greeting the couple, the show host said to the Duchess, looking exquisite in a dazzling floor-length green sequin gown: “You look absolutely beautiful.”

The star then turned to William, adding: “Sir, I am sure you do not know who I am but I am not hitting on your wife.”

Kate also sported a stunning new hairdo – in curls and pinned to one side – for the star-studded event at the Royal Albert Hall.

Her dress was a recycled custom-made Jenny Packham number first worn during an official visit to Pakistan in 2019.

The Duchess finished off her showstopping look with matching stilettos, minaudiere bag and gold earrings by designer Missoma London.

Prince William looked equally ­dapper in a velvet blue tuxedo, white shirt, black trousers and black bow tie.

The couple put on the glitz for the real-life return of the show – last year it was staged at the Blackpool Opera House in front of a virtual audience.

Last night William and Kate mingled with Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Sir Rod Stewart and Cirque du Soleil who performed in the show.

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The shimmering Duchess was presented with a posy by Poppy Clee, 10, while Rowan Clarke, also 10, gave William a programme and quizzed the Duke on what music he likes.

The ­fundraiser, which helps people from the world of entertainment in need of help, is ­celebrating 100 years of royal patronage this year. King George V took up the mantle in 1921 – and this year the Queen wrote a letter sending her best wishes.

Ian Freeman, treasurer of the Royal Variety Charity, told the Duke: “It has been a tricky year for us.” Life president Laurie Mansfield added: “It it fabulous it is back, doing entertainment for a full audience of 5,000. It is just remarkable in these times.”

The cast from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, celebrating 10 years in the West End, were also set to perform at the recording. William and Kate, meanwhile, are clearly enjoying getting their glad rags on again – as it was their third red carpet appearance in two months after the James Bond: No Time To Die premiere and the Earthshot Prize Awards.

• The Royal Variety Performance will be screened on ITV and ITV Hub next month.

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