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Miss Selfridge Black Friday Sale 2019: What To Look Out For | The Sun UK

BLACK Friday has come early and it's a great opportunity to stock up on clothes for party season, and where better than Miss Selfridge.

Fashion fans can get some bargain festive threads at Miss Selfridge this Black Friday, here's what we're hoping for this November.

We're hoping to see great discounts across the site and shoppers are able to stock up on party clothes, coats, boots, accessories and more.

If your wardrobe needs a refresh now it's the time to get first pick of the offers.

It's not just party wear either, as Miss Selfridge have great range of basics and knitwear and even an extensive Petite section.

Check out new arrivals, coats & jackets, dress shop, shoes and accessories

What should I look out for in the Miss Selfridge Black Friday sale?

  • Posh frocks – December signals party season and Miss Selfridge is one of the go to places for sparkly frocks, jumpsuits and playsuits. Get a bargain on a piece that you can pull out year after year.
  • Festive Threads – from cosy jumpers and snuggly coats to sequin encrusted EVERYTHING.
  • Accessories – less is never more. Fill your basket with jewellery and accessories. They make great gifts, too.
  • Coats– a coat is something you want to spend money on, because you have to wear it every day. Pick something out on Black Friday and get high value for less cost.
  • Shoes and boots – stilettos for dancing the night away in, court shoes for work and boots for the school run, we're hoping they'll all be included in the Black Friday sale.

If you're looking for other Black Friday offers, check out our Black Friday info page.

There'll you'll be able to find the key areas likely to feature in the event, and crucial information about shopping during the Black Friday period.

When is Black Friday?

This year Black Friday falls on November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving, so make sure you mark that date in your diaries.

The deals will continue over Cyber Weekend, as well as Cyber Monday on December 2nd.

  • Shop Miss Selfridge's Black Friday sale here

How much will my Miss. Selfridge delivery cost?

Standard Delivery costs £3.95 (free if you spend over £40) and will take up to 4 working days and Express Delivery is £6 or free if you spend over £70. You can also collect from store for free

Our tips for finding the best deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday

IT might be tempting to dive in and snap up LOADS of items on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but here’s how you can guarantee you’re getting a good deal.

PREPARE Research the items you want to buy and find out the cheapest price. Websites like PriceSpy, PriceHistory and CamelCamelCamel will give you historical data on prices so you can see how much you should pay.

GET FOLLOWING Follow your favourite shops on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and sign up to its deals newsletter to get the latest on any offers. We post the best deals in our Sun Money FB group too.

EARN CASHBACK Check websites like Quidco and TopCashback BEFORE you place your order. Cashback websites PAY you to shop. All you have to do is click through their links and the money is added to your online account, usually within 14 days.

CHECK FOR CODES Take a look at The Sun Vouchers, and see if you can get extra savings with discount codes.

Enjoyed reading about Miss Selfridge Black Friday deals? Learn more about this major shopping event on our main Black Friday info page.

Looking for some new updates to your wardrobe? & Other Stories have an unmissable selection you won't want to miss out on this Cyber Weekend.

Want more fragrance deals, check out our best Fragrance deals here. 

 

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Pictures show patients as they entered notorious asylum

Before and after Bedlam: How the Victorians promoted success stories from notorious asylum

  • Photos by Henry Herring reveal how different patients looked after receiving treatment at Bedlam asylum
  • The London hospital was for centuries an institution synonymous with the worst excesses of asylums
  • Patients were admitted for conditions such as ‘acute melancholia’ and ‘puerperal insanity’ during the 1850s

Photographs taken of patients at Bedlam asylum in London in the 1850s reveal how the Victorians promoted so-called success stories of patients who were suffering with a plethora of mental health conditions. 

The ‘before and after’ shots were used as a promotional tool for the brutal hospital in order to show the outside world how they were supposedly curing patients who arrived at the asylum, seeking treatment for conditions such as ‘puerperal insanity’. 

But they hid the truth about the asylum which was known to have had a rudimentary understanding of mental health and employed ‘treatments’ such as chairs suspended in mid air, which would leave the patients hanging upside down.

Some were also known to have been forcibly dunked in cold baths by the people who were meant to be caring for them, while others were starved or beaten. 

One of their case studies had been Eliza Josolyne who was admitted in 1857 with acute melancholia. They branded her as a success story, but the truth was far from that. Josolyne remained at a special ward in Bedlam until her death 50 years later.

This is while other patients such as Emma Riches had been force fed at the institution, after she was admitted with postnatal depression, she returned to the institution on three other occasions throughout her lifetime.    

Better known as ‘Bedlam’, Bethlehem Royal Hospital was for centuries an institution synonymous with the worst excesses of asylums. 

The word ‘bedlam’ – meaning ‘a place or situation of madness and chaos’ – even entered the language after the hospital became a by-word for its bad conditions.

Founded in 1247 during the reign of Henry III, the original building was built atop a sewer, which frequently overflowed, leaving patients to trudge through the foul muck. 

In the 17th century the building started to crumble so a new structure was commissioned with two miserable human sculptures flanking the entrance named ‘Melancholy’ and ‘Raving Madness.’

One treatment, invented by the grandfather of Charles Darwin, Erasmus Darwin, called rotational therapy, involved putting a patient in a chair suspended in the air and then spun round for a few hours.

In the 18th and 19th centuries patients were subjected to a whole host of awful treatments. During this brutal period a Quaker philanthropist Edward Wakefield visited Bethlem in 1814 and described naked, starved men chained to walls.

A notorious aspect of Bethlem was its availability to public. Wealthy patrons would often pay a shilling to gawp at the unfortunately souls locked in the asylum, such as the patients below whose time at the institution was documented with ‘before and after’ shots.


Eliza Josolyne was admitted to Bedlam in 1857 (left) and was diagnosed with acute melancholia. A few months after being admitted she seemed to have been in a much better condition (right).  She had to be kept in a padded room because she was knocking her head against the doors and walls. However by the summer when Hering took his second photograph, Josolyne had made a full recovery. She was now ‘generally cheerful and always industrious’ and working in the scullery. She was ‘recommended for the Incurable List’ and remained at a special ward in Bedlam until her death fifty years later


Harriet Jordan was admitted aged 24 in May 1958 (left) for acute mania. After just a few months of treatment she is pictured (right) smiling. In her before picture she appears to be frail and looks away from the camera as she crosses her arms. Just a few months after treatment, her old clothes seem to have been taken away and she is pictured in a dress and bonnet, smiling and looking directly at the camera. At the time doctors said she had gone through a staggering transformation from ‘insane to convalescent, quiet and well-behaved’


Emma Riches was admitted when she was 27-years-old (left). She is pictured (right) after her treatment, holding a book which symbolises she is ready to re-enter society.  She was first admitted to the mental hospital for ‘puerperal insanity’ – now known as ‘postnatal depression.’ She was admitted to Bedlam a total of four times during her life – after the birth of each of her four children. Her record states how during her time in Bedlam, Riches ‘never speaks nor appears to notice anything, she cares for nothing, will not eat unless she is forced to do so, nor dress nor undress herself…treatment drugs are ineffectual.’ Thankfully after a year in the hospital on her fourth admittance, she was returned to her children


William Green was admitted when he was 33-years-old (left) in 1857 and a photo was also taken of him after his treatment (right). He was said to have been suffering from paroxysmal and intermittent mania. In his ‘before’ picture his hair seems to be static, his collar upturned and he looks to the side while clasping his hands together. In his ‘after’ picture he stands strong and looks to the side confidently, while placing one hand on his hip

 

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Taylor Swift’ AMAs Performance Has Been Approved by Big Machine

We’re very happy to report that Taylor Swift will be able to perform her old songs during her Artist of the Decade performance at the 2019 American Music Awards!

The 29-year-old singer asked fans to speak out on her behalf after she says her old label was blocking her from singing old music at the awards show.

If you missed the controversy last week, here’s a quick recap: Taylor released an open letter claiming that her former label, Big Machine, was blocking her from performing her old songs during her Artist of the Decade performance at the AMAs. The label then released a statement denying the claims and then the singer’s rep spoke out to reveal the truth.

A new statement from Big Machine and the AMAs’ producers Dick Clark Productions was just released.

“The Big Machine Label Group and Dick Clark Productions announce that they have come to terms on a licensing agreement that approves their artists’ performances to stream post show and for re-broadcast on mutually approved platforms,” the statement read. “This includes the upcoming American Music Awards performances. It should be noted that recording artists do not need label approval for live performances on television or any other live media. Record label approval is only needed for contracted artists’ audio and visual recordings and in determining how those works are distributed.”

READ MORE: Scooter Braun ‘Frustrated’ with Scott Borchetta Over Taylor Swift Music Situation

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Ant McPartlin's ex Lisa Armstrong is all smiles as she leaves Strictly

ANT McPartlin's ex Lisa Armstrong was all smiles in Blackpool last night.

The makeup artist looked like she'd enjoyed her night as she left the Strictly Come Dancing afterparty in the early hours.

It's been a tough time for Lisa, 42, who is going through a tough time as she continues her divorce battle with her estranged husband Ant.

Last week The Sun revealed talks have broken down between the pair over a gag order.

It is now increasingly likely their dispute could end up in a public mud-slinging showdown at the High Court in London — something Ant is desperate to avoid.

Lisa is refusing to sign the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) — and Ant will not agree to a financial settlement until she does.

Sources close to Lisa’s camp say Ant’s side are sending regular legal letters, running up a massive bill thought to have already passed the £1.5million mark.

Ant’s legal team wants to avoid going to court, which could mean excruciating details of the couple’s 12-year marriage being made public.

After his drink-drive crash in March last year, time in rehab for addiction to painkillers and relationship with his former PA Anne-Marie Corbett — who Lisa considered a friend — Ant has rebuilt his image and been given a second chance by the public.

In order to protect his reputation from further damage, he is asking Lisa, 43, to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) — and will not agree to a financial settlement until she does.


But Lisa is refusing to sign the so-called gagging order.

A source close to the couple told The Sun: “Lisa is an honest, loyal and decent human being. She isn’t interested in how much money she gets.

“She told her dad Derek on his death bed earlier this year that she would stand strong and she’s not about to go back on her word.

“She won’t sign an NDA. As far as she’s concerned, he is welcome to his money.

“It’s not about that for her. She’s appalled at the way she has been treated ever since they split up, by people she loved, trusted and called friends.

“He is sending her regular lawyers’ letters. The legal bill for this divorce is easily past the £1.5million mark.

“But Ant is underestimating her. She’s not scared any more.

“She is more determined than ever not to fold and to get what’s hers. She only ever wanted it to be fair.

“She doesn’t want to be the one to ruin his career, but enough is enough.

“She is labelled bitter and twisted and the truth is she wants this to end — but she won’t be silenced.

“They were 19 when they met and they had nothing.

“She was doing the same as him — she was in a band, he was part of PJ & Duncan.

“Now, 23 years later, she needs to be gagged and told to go away?

“This is not just some pantomime or comedy show people can just laugh at and comment on. This is her life.”

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Emmerdale spoilers: Sam Dingle heartbroken as Lydia Hart gets worrying health update

Emmerdale’s Lydia Hart (played by Karen Blick) was overwhelmed with emotion this evening as she discovered the mother she thought was dead was actually alive. Her mum, Agatha Finn, came to visit her in the home she lives in with Sam Dingle (James Hooton) but she wasn’t filled with good news. 

Previously, Lydia’s twisted sister Beth had told her Agatha had passed away.

Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) was never satisfied by the revelation and she went digging for information. 

She soon learned Agatha was alive and well much to Mandy’s surprise, the long-lost mother wants to see Lydia. 

Of course, Lydia was shocked to discover her mum was still living and the pair had a tense chat about their pasts. 

READ MORE

  • Emmerdale spoilers: Noah Tate to end up in hospital after overdose?

Agatha revealed she had always kept an eye on Lydia, and had seen her photo in the paper previously.

However, talk soon turned to the topic of her late date, who recently passed away. 

Turning more solemn, Agatha announced her husband had died from Huntingdon’s disease. 

Huntingdon’s is a condition that stops parts of the brain working over time. 

According to the NHS, it is passed on by a person’s parents.

It gets gradually worse over time but it can be fatal after a person of up to 20 years.

The news hit Lydia hard as she come to terms with the fact she could also suffer from the same disease. 

Agatha revealed Beth had taken the test and it had come back negative, meaning she was clear.

DON’T MISS…

Coronation Street: Liz McDonald to exit with a ‘bang’ [SPOILERS]

EastEnders: Max Branning makes big decision about Ruby Allen [SPOILERS]

Coronation Street: Shona Ramsey murdered in tragic plot? [SPOILERS]

With Lydia resolved to taking her own test, in the coming weeks, but will she get the same good news as her sister? 

What’s more, Sam was completely heartbroken by the revelation as he too would have to face a tough battle with her if she carried the disease. 

Will the pair finally get some good news after weeks of bad?

Elsewhere on this evening’s episode, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) got some harrowing news of his own. 

READ MORE

  • Emmerdale spoilers: Charity to bed Nate after sparks fly?

He went for a chat with Leyla Harding (Roxi Shahidi), and was forced to tell her Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) could be in danger. 

In the coming weeks, Maya Stepney (Louisa Clein) will be released from prison for child grooming and underage sex offences.

With Jacob struggling to move on from her, will he be in danger from Maya all over again?

Emmerdale continues tomorrow on ITV at 7pm. 

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5 Pairs of Comfy, Cute Sweatpants You Can Prime Yourself for Thanksgiving Recovery

When you’ve had your fill of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and are on the verge of a Tryptophan-induced food coma, the thought of putting on anything closely resembling real pants may seem like the hardest task in the entire world (or is it just us?). There’s nothing worse than being full, sleepy and uncomfortable post-Thanksgiving dinner, so whether you’re spending the remainder of your holiday weekend surfing the internet for Black Friday deals or continuing to devour late-night leftovers, make the right choice and do it in the comfort of these cute and stretchy sweatpants.

Don’t stress if you don’t have the perfect pair of eating pants in your dresser already. Thanks to Amazon Prime you can score these stylish sweats with free 2-day shipping. Below, five of the cutest and coziest sweatpants you can find at Amazon to ensure you’re rocking your food baby in style.

Buy It! Monrow Sweatpants, $79.98 (orig. $153); amazon.com

 

Buy It! Velvet by Graham & Spencer Athleisure Jogger, $74.90-$125.56; amazon.com

Buy It! Amazon Essentials French Terry Fleece Joggers, $18.50; amazon.com

Buy It! Z Supply The Loft Camo Jogger, $55-$72; amazon.com

Buy It! SUNDRY Leopard Print Joggers, $128; amazon.com

What sweatpants are you scoring with Amazon Prime? Comment below and let us know!


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Bar gives women free drinks based on weight and have scales near entrance

A bar has divided opinion with its promotion to give women free drinks based on their weight – but says the offer has been so successful it's been extended.

Fusion Club, based at the four-star Cassells Al Barsha Hotel in Dubai, has attracted attention due to its happy hour deal designed to show that 'it's good to gain weight'.

Women are given the choice between weighing themselves on a scale near the entrance of the bar, or writing their weight on a slip of paper and handing it to the barman.

For every kilogram a guest weighs, the bar matches it with one free United Arab Emirates dirham to spend on drinks.

For example, if a woman weighed 60kg, she would get free drinks worth 60 AED – which is equal to around £12.50, as reported by the Metro .

The deal applies for all drinks and the bar's vice president says they 'don't see any reason to feel having bad intention about the offer' because women are never asked to prove their weight but instead trusted by the number they write down.

"We believe in being different than the rest of the night clubs and hotels in making our guests delighted.

"We wanted the ladies to surprise their partners and friends that it’s good to gain weight.

"We have different promotions at Fusion Club every month, which are often 'crazy' and unique and are enjoyed by both men and women."

The bar says the promotion has been met with such a positive reaction that the offer which was due to end in August will now run until December.

However, with the motto 'it's good to gain weight' used on the advertising posters, others have claimed the deal can act to promote obesity.

One wrote: "This is just stupid, and FYI it promotes fat gain and obesity… like the fatter you are the more we’ll allow you to consume empty calories which, in turn, will make you… even fatter?"

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John Mayer’s Remix Of Taylor Swift’s "Lover" Is A Lot To Take In

There’s a good chance the bad blood between Taylor Swift and her ex John Mayer is all in the past. The way Mayer praised — and teased — Swift’s work on her hit song "Lover" made it seem that way, at least. John Mayer’s remix of Taylor Swift’s "Lover" is not what I expected.

Shawn Mendes appeared on an episode of Mayer’s Current Mood Instagram Live series on Sunday, Nov. 17, and chatted about Mendes’ collab with Swift on "Lover."

"I’m a musician, I can talk about songs. Love the song. I really like the song," Mayer said before poking fun at the lyrics. "I get a little chuckle because she says, ‘We can keep the Christmas lights up ‘til January.’ And I go, ‘You’re insane. Everyone keeps their Christmas lights up until January.’"

Mendes then prompted Mayer to say, once again, that he really likes the tune. While they continued to talk about the process of the collab, mid-conversation with Mendes, Mayer began to belt out his own version of the song.

Mayer sang: "We can keep the Christmas lights up ‘til January / And then about January 5th / we’ll take the lights down / And then we’ll put them in a box and we’ll label that box Christmas lights / Yeah, we’ll put them in the attic until next December."

See the hilarious moment below.

Mayer added, "Well, that’s a crazy love story, I’ll tell ya."

On the original and collab track, Swift sings: "We could leave the Christmas lights up ’til January / This is our place / We make the rules."

Mendes’ girlfriend, Camila Cabello, even tuned into the Instagram Live. "That’s my boyfriend I LOVE HIM," Cabello commented. "HELLO JOHN I LOVE THAT MAN."

Mayer and Mendes fans watching the livestream didn’t appear to be bothered by Mayer’s playful jab at Swift. Many commented with the crying-laughing emoji and expressing their love for Mayer, Swift, and Mendes.

Swifties, however, weren’t impressed with Mayer’s comments, despite him saying multiple times that he really liked the song.

"John, you could have used your voice to support Taylor, what a pity, you lost that chance. lm not surprised. #IStandWithTaylor," one fan tweeted with a nod to Swift’s ongoing legal battle with her former label, Big Machine Records, over her pre-Lover-era masters.

Another passionate Swift fan wrote: "That video is terrible. good to know john mayer is still terrible after all of these years."

Swift hasn’t publicly commented on the video. She’s likely got bigger things to worry about than her ex-boyfriend talking about her music.

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Halsey, Lady Antebellum Join Forces For Memorable Duet At CMA Awards

Alt-pop star Halsey teamed up with country group Lady Antebellum to perform a genre-defying mashup at last Wednesday’s 53rd annual CMA Awards.

The memorable performance began with Halsey assisting the trio on their single “What If I Never Get Over You” before a transition to a stripped down version of Halsey’s “Graveyard.”

Fans took to social media to praise the duet, with one Twitter user describing the mashup as “the best way to clear the ugly out of any day.”

Lady Antebellum were nominated for the CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year but ultimately lost out to Old Dominion.

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Kate dons a slinky Alexander McQueen gown at Royal Variety show

Lady in lace! Kate Middleton dons a slinky Alexander McQueen gown as she joins Prince William for a night with the stars at the Royal Variety Performance

  • Prince William and Kate Middleton, 37, both attended star-studded event at London Palladium Theatre tonight
  • Duchess looked stunning in a 
  • Spectacular show takes place every year and is this year hosted by Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan
  • Event in aid of Royal Variety Charity aka the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund of which Queen is patron

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dusted off their finery to raise the glamour stakes at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance as they arrived at the London Palladium theatre. 

The spectacular show takes place every year, either in London or in a theatre around the United Kingdom, and it’s the third time Kate Middleton and Prince William, both 37, have attended, following their 2014 and 2017 appearances.

Kate looked stunning in a floor-length black lace overlay Alexander McQueen gown and wore her glossy locks in loose curls. The dress had a daring scooped back and a sweetheart neckline.

Meanwhile William continued his recent stylish form with a traditional black tuxedo and placed an affectionate hand on his wife’s back as the couple entered the theatre.

Kate looked stunning in a floor-length black lace overlay Alexander McQueen gown and wore her glossy locks in loose curls while Wills donned a stylish tux


Kate sported a towering pair of black heels underneath her flowing Alexander McQueen gown, which featured sheer sleeves (pictured)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge complimented each other perfectly as they arrived at the star-studded event both wearing black attire

Prince William placed an affectionate hand on his wife’s back as the couple entered the theatre for the performance tonight

The royal couple will greet a number of performers as well as executives from the Royal Variety Charity and ITV, both before and after the show. 

The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, formally known as The Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund, of which The Queen is Patron.   

The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who need help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got to meet some of the cast of the new well-received Mary Poppins musical – Petula Clark CBE, Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp, who play the Bird Lady, Mary Poppins and Bert respectively.

William asked where they were performing and Zizi told him it was the Prince Edward Theatre, opening this week.

‘We are doing a show tonight,’ she added, explaining how the cast were racing to their performance after opening the variety show.

‘I love Mary Poppins!’ William exclaimed. Petula Clark told Kate she would have to bring the children to the show, to which she replied: ‘They would love it.’ 

Tonight’s performance is being hosted by comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, and will include the cast of Mary Poppins, Lewis Capaldi, Mabel, Robbie Williams, the cast of Come From Away, and a special collaboration by Emeli Sandé and Manchester’s Bee Vocal choir. 

All smiles! Prince William and Kate Middleton smiled and waved at the crowds as they arrived at the London Palladium tonight

The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, formally known as The Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund, of which The Queen is Patron. Pictured: Kate shakes hands with an official at the event



Stunning Kate sported a bolder make-up look than usual, opting for smoky eye-shadow which she set off with a nude lipstick

The royal couple will greet a number of performers as well as executives from the Royal Variety Charity and ITV, both before and after the show


The duchess donned a dramatic pair of gold hoop earrings featuring a pearl drop design. She carried a simple black clutch bag and wore no other jewellery other than her engagement ring

Prince William and his wife Kate smile and engage with fans as they arrived at the London Palladium for a night of entertainment


The duchess is a big fan of designer Alexander McQueen, who designed her stunning wedding dress in 2011

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pictured entering the theatre for tonight’s performance



Kate’s glamorous gown featured a daring scooped back and a sweetheart neckline, while it cinched in at the waist and flared from the knee

A programme was presented to William by Oliver Hinton, eight, as he arrived at the Royal Variety Performance this evening

Prince William shakes the hand of eight-year-old Oliver Hinton as he’s handed a copy of the programme for tonight’s performance

Kate was presented with a posy of flowers picked from the garden of the Royal Variety Charity’s residential home in west London, Brinsworth House called ‘Frosty Winter Garden’ by Lydia Jones, 10

Prince William meeting Zizi Strallen (as Mary Poppins), Charlie Stemp (as Bert) and Petula Clark (as Bird Lady) The Royal Variety Performance

Kate greets cast members of Mary Poppins, including Zizi Strallen (as Mary Poppins), Charlie Stemp (as Bert) and Petula Clark (as Bird Lady)

Headline act Sir Rod Stewart was unfortunately forced to pull out at the last minute on ‘strict doctor’s orders’ due to a throat infection. 

He tweeted that he was ‘absolutely devastated’ to be unable to perform and described it as an ‘amazing show which I love being part of’.

‘I’m very disappointed that I can’t be there to give my support,’ he said.


Headline act Sir Rod Stewart was unfortunately forced to pull out at the last minute on ‘strict doctor’s orders’ due to a throat infection. He shared the news on Twitter (pictured)

Other celebrities also in attendance included Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda Field, TV presenter Gloria Hunniford and actress Vicki Michelle.

Kate is being presented with a posy of flowers picked from the garden of the Royal Variety Charity’s residential home in west London, Brinsworth House.

This year it is called ‘Frosty Winter Garden’ and is being presented by Lydia Jones, 10, while a programme is being presented to William by Oliver Hinton, eight.



Other celebrities also in attendance included Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda Field (pictured left) who wore an eye-catching lavender ensemble, TV presenter Gloria Hunniford (centre) and actress Vicki Michelle (right)

Prince William shakes hands and shares a joke with Julian Bellowes as he arrives at The Royal Variety Performance this evening

Earlier today the duke and duchess shared a series of throwback photographs ahead of the Royal Variety Performance on the Kensington Royal Instagram account.

The couple posted four snaps including a black and white photograph of the Queen arriving for the #RoyalVarietyPerformance in 1952, with The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret. 

The other photos include Prince William and Kate attending the event in 2014, where the duchess donned a stunning black lace gown by Diane von Furstenberg while 16 months pregnant.   

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared four throwback snaps ahead of the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium tonight. Pictured, the Queen arriving for the #RoyalVarietyPerformance in 1952, with The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret

Glowing in a stunning floor length Diane von Furstenberg lace gown, and her hair in a simple up-do, Kate – who was 16 weeks pregnant – showed barely a hint of a baby bump as she and William arrived at the London Palladium back in 2014

Kate, who donned a floor-length powder blue Jenny Packham dress could be seen shaking hands with performers after the show in the London Palladium theatre in 2017

Class act: Dame Joan Collins, wearing a light pink dress and elaborate diamond jewellery, shared a warm exchange with Prince William at the London Palladium in 2017

The third snap shows Kate shaking hands with one of the performers in a floor-length power blue Jenny Packham gown, while a fourth captures a smiley Prince William engaging in conversation with Dame Joan Collins, as Torvill and Dean look on in the background.  

Alongside the photos, the caption explains: ‘The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who need help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times.’ 

The origins of the Royal Variety Performance date back to 1912, when King George V and Queen Mary agreed to attend a Royal Command Performance at the Palace Theatre in London, in aid of the Variety Artistes’ Benevolent Fund. 

In July 1919, the second Royal show was performed and was the first to be billed a ‘Royal Variety Performance’. 

Held at London’s Coliseum, the show was staged as a ‘celebration of peace’ and, as the official announcement expressed it, ‘had been commanded by The King to show his appreciation of the generous manner in which artistes of the variety stage had helped the numerous funds connected with the War’.  

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