DATE NIGHT

Stepping out together at London's Royal Albert Hall, Prince William and Kate are the stars of the show

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Princess Kate made a glamorous and emotional return to the red carpet as she and Prince William attended the iconic Royal Variety Performance for the first time in two years.

"It's so nice to be back for the performance," said Kate, giving William a loving look as he placed his hand affectionately on her back outside London's Royal Albert Hall.

The Princess of Wales, 43, dazzled in a floor-length emerald-green gown by German label Talbot Runhof – seen as a nod to an imminent state visit by the country's president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife. She accessorized with the late Queen Elizabeth's Greville chandelier earrings and Queen Mary's diamond bar choker bracelet.

Royal author Robert Jobson observes that Kate has "truly mastered the art of soft diplomatic dressing. She understands that fashion can speak when words cannot. Every colour, silhouette and designer is chosen with purpose."