Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive at the Royal Variety Performance

The Duchess of Cambridge sported a daring new hairstyle – and recycled a stylish dress – as she dazzled at the Royal Variety Performance last night.

Kate, 39, looked sensational in a green sequinned gown by Jenny Packham that she first wore on a 2019 tour of Pakistan.

More eye-catching, however, was her hair. Gone was her familiar bouncy blow dry. Instead, she had tightly curled her locks and swept them over to one side in a more modern style.

It certainly hit the right note for comedian Alan Carr who joked with Prince William that he was 'not hitting on his wife' after complimenting Kate.

Greeting the Royals to the 94th annual performance, which this year was held at the Royal Albert Hall, host Carr said to the duchess: 'You look absolutely beautiful.'

Addressing the duke, who looked smart in a classic navy suede tuxedo, the comedian added: 'Sir, I am sure you do not know who I am but I am not hitting on your wife.'

Before the performance, a posy of flowers was presented to the duchess by ten-year-old Poppy Clee and the show programme was given to the duke by ten-year-old Rowan Clarke, who was asked what music he liked by William.

Last year, the charity event was held at the Blackpool Opera House in front of a virtual audience due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Life-President of the Royal Variety charity Laurie Mansfield said after last night's show: 'It is fabulous that it is back, doing entertainment for a full audience of 5,000 people. It is just remarkable in these times for the charity, it is a godsend.' The duke and duchess watched performances by many famous faces including music from Years & Years, James Blunt, Elvis Costello, Gregory Porter and Anne-Marie.

The cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Matilda The Musical, who are celebrating ten years in the West End, also performed at the charity event, as did the cast of Moulin Rouge The Musical and Cirque du Soleil.

Celebrating 100 years of Royal patronage, the Queen wrote a letter to the Royal Variety Charity sending her best wishes for the evening. The event is staged to raise money to help those people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance.

The mother of-three, who looked positively glowing, sported a bolder make-up look than usual, opting for smoky eye-shadow which she set off with pink lipstick. 

She donned a pair of £125 gold dangling earrings by Missoma, wearing no other jewellery than her engagement and wedding rings, and carried a simple green custom Jenny Packham clutch bag which complemented her outfit. 

The event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, of which Her Majesty 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. This year sees the centenary of the reigning Monarch being Patron, commencing with King George V in 1921.