The Royal Variety Performance usually brings a bit of sparkle to a chilly November night, but this year, something far more moving stole the spotlight. The Princess of Wales and Jessie J found themselves sharing a quiet but deeply emotional moment backstage at the Royal Albert Hall, as the two women connected over something far heavier than show business.

The event took place on Wednesday, 19 November, and was packed with the usual star turns, but the atmosphere shifted when Kate and Jessie met during the royal walkabout. Jessie had just finished performing her song I’ll Never Know Why, written for a friend she lost to suicide.

Dressed in all black, with her long dark hair flowing, she looked both striking and solemn. Kate arrived looking elegant as ever in a green velvet gown, her first

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