The Cambridge Family Enjoy An Evening At Pantoland

It was a festive royal red carpet debut for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis today as the adorable trio joined their parents for a special performance of the National Lottery’s Pantoland at the Palladium.

George and Charlotte made their Sandringham debut on Christmas Day last year and there was an expectation we might see them again this year had 2020 been a typical one. With term at Thomas's Battersea concluding earlier today, I expect it was thought this was an excellent opportunity to include the children on an engagement and to share new family photos. It's understood the family will spend the holidays at their country home, Anmer Hall, or at Bucklebury with the Middletons.

The unexpected appearance comes following a whirlwind 48 hour royal train tour for the Cambridges earlier this week.

First red carpet event for Prince Louis, being very well behaved along with Princess Charlotte and Prince George as they arrived with mum and dad @LondonPalladium to watch a special pantomime performance put on for key workers and their families pic.twitter.com/70J5Z4bQow

— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) December 11, 2020

My first thought when seeing the images...look at Louis! The baby of the Cambridge family and Kate's mini-me has grown so much.

People reports:

'George and Charlotte held William’s hands as they walked cautiously up the red carpet outside the Palladium. As they got closer to the doors, Charlotte let go of William’s hand. He tried to grab it again, but the confident princess seemed to want to go it alone as she took in her surroundings. William then adorably stroked his daughter’s head.

Little Louis faithfully held onto mom Kate’s hand as they approached the dignitary welcoming them. While the royal parents paused for the greeting, Louis inquisitively looked up at the adults. Older brother George, who seemed cool and relaxed by the clicking of the cameras, quietly took in the scene as he stayed close by his father’s side.'

Princess Charlotte decided she didn't need her hand held for her first red carpet walk :)

The Telegraph reports:

'Even if your father is the future King, he can still be a little bit embarrassing sometimes.

And Princess Charlotte, making her red carpet debut at the pantomime this evening, made it clear she did not need to hold hands with the Duke of Cambridge, thank you very much.

But while Princess Charlotte took it all in her stride, it was a different matter for Prince Louis, making his first ever public outing.

The young prince, dressed in a blue jumper, anxiously clutched his mother’s hand as the family were met by dancing, juggling elves on the red carpet, and tried to hide behind her as one of Father Christmas’s helpers eagerly bent down to have a chat.

The laughing Duchess swiftly moved along, catching up with the Duke, who had been holding hands with Prince George and Princess Charlotte before the latter opted to go it alone.'

 As the Cambridges took their seats for the panto, Louis sat on Kate's lap whilst George and Charlotte were on either side of William before the show began.

George and Charlotte were photographed enjoying a chat having changed seats when William left to make his speech.

The performance starring Julian Clary and Elaine Paige featured an array of gags, elves dancing, festive favourites sung, an amazing dance performance by Diversity, and an enthralling act by ventriloquist Paul Zerdin.

The show promises "the very best of pantomime, with comedy in abundance and big show-stopping numbers, this star-filled extravaganza will play to a socially distanced audience for three weeks only".

During a brief speech, William praised the "remarkable sacrifices" of frontline workers present in the audience. "You have given your absolute all this year and made remarkable sacrifices. So too have your families, who I’m sure have seen far less of you than they would have liked. It’s lovely that you are all here together tonight. You are representative of the huge number of people across the UK who have stepped forward to make a difference this year in so many crucial ways. The country owes you a huge debt of gratitude."

William also paid tribute to screen legend Dame Barbara Windsor, best known as EastEnders' Peggy Mitchell and for her work in Carry On. Barbara sadly passed away after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. "I want to pause and pay tribute to a true national treasure, Dame Barbara Windsor, who so sadly passed away last night. She was a giant of the entertainment world, and of course a legend on pantomime stages across the country, including here at the London Palladium."

Below, the Duke and Duchess with Dame Barbara during a 2013 engagement for the poppy appeal.

During the interval, William and Kate stepped out to meet several key worker families to hear about their experiences and changes to their lives this year.

More from People:

'William and Kate spoke with Dom Warren, 35, and his wife Alex Warren, 33, from Hastings in East Sussex. The couple set up Dom’s Food Mission five years ago to use surplus food to help feed families in need. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they have seen demand rise dramatically and are currently providing 8,000 food parcels per month to families.'

William told Dom, "Look after yourself. You’ve got to look after yourself in the long term because then you can look after other people."

The Duke and Duchess congratulated the cast on an "amazing" performance.

And a group photo completed the evening.

Prince George matched his dad in red and navy tonight. Christin identified his sweater as the Ralph Lauren Cashmere-Wool sweater. Charlotte was cute as a button in a grey check dress by Italian brand Il Porticciolo (with thanks to Fiona). Louis was adorable in a navy jacket from his big brother's wardrobe.

Below, Prince George wearing the Amaia Kids Redwink Jacket for the Queen's Pre-Christmas luncheon in 2017.

The Duchess was elegant in a past season Alessandra Rich design.

The blue and white Petal Print Silk Dress features a flared style, a ruffle trimming, a round neck, long sleeves, button cuffs, a straight hem and a mid-length (with thanks to Emily).

Kate carried the £625 Smythson Ludlow Concertina Crossbody style (with thanks to Innominate via Twitter).

More on the background of the collection the Ludlow is from: "Borrowing their accordion-like structure from Victorian organisers found in the Smythson archive, pieces from our Concertina collection allow for streamlined organisation with dynamic volume. Supple, oversized totes, top handle shoulder bags, card cases, and delicate wristlet purses appearing in an array of new season hues."

Kate accessorised with her Simone Rocha faux-pearl curb chain earrings.

And her Halcyon Days Maya bangle.

Kate wore a pair of navy suede pumps. Ivy Lin noted the distinctive red sole meaning they are very likely a pair of Louboutins. 

It was a lovely event for the family and splendid to see the children enjoying an outing at the panto. As a note, children under eleven are not required to wear masks in the theatre. We'll see a new family photo from the Cambridges - quite likely within the next week!