Additional Coverage:
- Kate Middleton Shares Emotional Hug With Jessie J After Bonding Over Their Cancer Journeys (usmagazine.com)
Princess Kate Middleton and Jessie J Share Heartfelt Embrace at Royal Variety Performance
London, UK – In a touching display of solidarity, Princess Kate Middleton and singer Jessie J shared a warm hug at the Royal Variety Performance held at Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, November 19. The two women, both navigating their respective journeys with cancer, found a shared connection in their experiences.
Jessie J, 37, later revealed that the embrace stemmed from a mutual understanding of the challenges of battling cancer, particularly in the public eye. “Mum to mum, who has just recently gone through cancer, I just wanted to give her a hug,” Jessie J shared, as reported by The Independent. “We acknowledged that it’s something that is not easy to go through, especially in the public eye.”
The event, hosted by comedian Jason Manford, served as a benefit for the Royal Variety Charity, which provides support for entertainment industry workers facing mental health struggles. Jessie J was among the scheduled performers, alongside Icelandic singer Laufey and the casts of Paddington the Musical and Les Misérables.
Princess Kate, 43, made a striking appearance in a green velvet gown by Talbot Runhof, complemented by elegant chandelier earrings. She was accompanied by her husband, Prince William, who was impeccably dressed in a black velvet tuxedo. This marked the couple’s first attendance at the Royal Variety Performance in two years.
The Princess of Wales has gradually re-entered her public duties following her cancer diagnosis. She publicly disclosed in March 2024 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of the disease. By September 2024, she announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment, and in January, confirmed her cancer was in remission.
In an Instagram post at the time, Princess Kate expressed profound gratitude: “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more.
The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.” She also acknowledged the “relief” she felt about her remission and her focus on recovery, stating, “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”
Jessie J disclosed her own diagnosis of early breast cancer in June. She underwent surgery later that month, with a second operation initially scheduled for October but subsequently postponed.
“A week before my surgery I went to my surgeon and we discussed my surgery and it felt a little more complex than he was anticipating and referred me to a different surgeon who I then saw, had a meeting with who said: I think this can wait a little while,” Jessie J explained to fans via Instagram last month. She admitted to feeling “frustrated” after canceling a tour for her recovery, but recognized that “it’s out of my control and two different surgeons had two different opinions.”
Earlier this month, Jessie J provided a further health update through a social media photo dump, stating, “5 months since my surgery and still very much in recovery and trying to learn and deepen my understanding on why and how to do what I can for it to not come back.”