Princess of Wales Shares Emotional Hug With Jessie J at Royal Variety Performance

The Princess of Wales and Jessie J shared a touching moment backstage at this year’s Royal Variety Performance, connecting over their recent experiences with cancer during an emotional exchange at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Jessie J spoke openly on the night about undergoing cancer treatment earlier this year. She said she is preparing for a second operation and had postponed her autumn tour to focus on her health. After meeting the Princess, the singer explained that their embrace came from a place of understanding.

“Mum to mum, who has just recently gone through cancer, I just wanted to give her a hug,” she said. “We acknowledged that it is something that is not easy to go through, especially in the public eye.”

Jessie J performed her new track “I’ll Never Know Why”, written in memory of a close friend. She was among several artists featured in the lineup, which also included singer Laufey and the cast of Paddington The Musical.

The Prince and Princess of Wales later met performers, including McFly’s Tom Fletcher, who created the music and lyrics for the new Paddington production. William praised the show as “fantastic” and joked with Paddington Bear about his trademark marmalade sandwich.

Earlier in the evening, the Princess received flowers from nine-year-old twins Emelia and Olivia Edwards, daughters of staff at Brinsworth House, a charity-supported residential home for entertainers. She told the girls her own children were “very sad” not to attend and said she had not been able to bring them along.

The Royal Variety Performance, established in 1912, raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports entertainment industry workers facing health or financial challenges.