HOSTING SWEDISH ROYALTY THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES CHASE AWAY THE BLUES AT THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE

Holding hands as they arrived to walk the red carpet, the Prince and Princess of Wales proved the show must go on during a challenging week for the Royal Family.

- EMILY NASH AND SALLY MORGAN

Prince William and Kate stepped out for the glittering Royal Variety Performance on a double date with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, who were in the U.K. on an official visit.

And all four appeared to be in high spirits as they were welcomed with loud cheers from fans outside London's Royal Albert Hall.

Kate dazzled in a floor-length blue cape gown by Safiyaa, while William was dashing in a black tuxedo.

Equally elegant, Victoria wore a black feathered dress and scarf by Swedish label Toteme, which also designed her bag and jewelry.

Inside, the two couples were greeted by Daphne Selfe, who, at 95, is the world's oldest model.

"Hello, Daphne, I love your outfit," said Kate, while William said, "You're modelling at 95? That is incredible," before asking, "They don't make you travel about too much, do they?" Daphne remarked on the royal couple's height and the princess laughed, telling her, "I'm quite tall and I have high heels on, so I'm cheating."

"I don't have high heels on," added William with a grin.

GRACE UNDER FIRE

Amid the smiles, there was an undercurrent of tension as the couple’s appearance came two days after the release of the controversial royal book Endgame. Author Omid Scobie – who co-wrote the 2020 biography