Kate and William attended the Royal Variety performance of Mary Poppins at the London Palladium on Monday evening. She dazzled in a floor-length gown by Alexander McQueen, while he looked smart in a tux, as they met a number of performers before and after the show. As she chatted to the actors, Kate let on that George, Charlotte and Louis had pleaded with her to let them come along.

The musical is a perennial favourite with children, ever since Julie Andrews immortalised the role of the eponymous heroine in the 1964 film version.

But to the dismay of the trio, Kate put her foot down and refused to budge from her point of principle.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Duchess rejected their request because it was a school night and they had to be up early to go to classes the next day.

The evening was hosted by by comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan and included a performance from Robbie Williams.

The Royal Variety Performance is an annual event and is held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity.

It has been staged since 1912, when the first royal guests were King George V and his wife Queen Mary.

The gala show is now watched by over 152 million TV viewers worldwide, making it the most successful and longest running entertainment show in the world.

The Queen is its patron and monies raised from the event go to helping British entertainers in old age and when afflicted by ill health.

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Kate’s appearance at the gala evening celebrations have sparked off rumours that she may be expecting a fourth child.

This is because the Duchess went to the Royal Variety performance in 2014 when she was pregnant with Charlotte and again in 2017 when she was expecting Louis.

In response to these rumours, bookmakers have slashed the odds to 6/1 on Kate announcing a pregnancy before the year’s end.

A royal expert believes that the Royal Variety Performance was just one in a series of public engagements that will allow the the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to promote their brand in the absence of Meghan and Harry.

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Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “With Harry, Meghan and Archie avoiding the limelight there will be a good deal of interest in William and Kate’s activities.

“William recently opened a new apprenticeship house for Centrepoint, the homeless charity supported by Diana, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“On Monday 18th November William and Kate will attend the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium, they previously attended in 2014 when she was pregnant with Charlotte and in 2017 when she was pregnant with Louis.

“Expect considerable coverage of them with the celebrities performing this year which will include Robbie Williams, Rod Stewart, Emilie Sande and the cast of Mary Poppins.”

Mr Fitzwilliams claims the focus will now be on William and Kate during Christmas at Sandringham with Meghan and Harry out of the picture.

He added: “There will also be their traditional appearance with other members of the royal family at St Mary Magdalene’s Church on the Sandringham Estate on Christmas morning.”

According to Mr Fitzwilliams it will be beneficial for Prince William and Kate to get more coverage following a “divisive year.”

He added: “This will as usual get global coverage as we move towards the end of a year which has been a divisive one for Britain but during which, as the future King and Queen Consort showed in their recent politically sensitive trip to Pakistan, they are admirably equipped to cope showing dignity, commitment and charm.”

Kate and William will spend Christmas at Sandringham with the Queen and other Royal Family members.

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