Royals entertained by top UK talent
11 hours ago

The Prince of Wales was entertained by some of the UK's top talent as he attended the Royal Variety Performance.

Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were greeted at the star-studded event in central London by Hackney-born diva Leona Lewis.

Lewis shot to fame after appearing on ITV's X Factor and has gone on to conquer the charts both here and abroad. She is currently the fourth best selling artist in the world for 2008.

Camilla, wearing a blue taffeta dress created by iconic designer Dame Vivienne Westwood smiled as she posed for waiting photographers.

The royal couple were then entertained by Welsh singer Duffy and American pop act The Pussycat Dolls among others.

Charles was seen guffawing as comedian Jimmy Carr ran through a set of risque jokes.

Take That later made no mention of Robbie Williams when they performed.

Gary Barlow spoke briefly between songs to say how delighted the band was to perform at the event.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have been entertained by some of the UK's top stars at the Royal Variety Performance in central London.

Award-winning singer Leona Lewis was among those who welcomed the royal couple to the London Palladium.

Camilla arrived at the event in the West End wearing a blue taffeta dress designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood.

The 80th anniversary performance was headlined by Take That, with the cast of The Lion King also appearing.

US all-girl pop act Pussycat Dolls, Welsh singer Duffy and Sir Cliff Richard were among other musical performers. Comedy came from risque stand-up Jimmy Carr.

The Lion King's appearance on its 10th anniversary represents the first time a West End show has been asked to return to the event, having appeared in 1999.

Album praise

The variety show is in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund each year.

Take That's appearance came on the same day former band member Robbie Williams hinted at a reunion.

Williams has praised their new album and said he would "love to be in the band again".

However, Take That did not mention Williams during their performance.

The band's Gary Barlow spoke briefly between songs to say how pleased they were to be there.

Support for a full Take That reunion did come from one of the performers.

Leona Lewis said: "He should definitely be allowed back in the band, he was one of the original members."

A right royal performance
The Prince of Wales was entertained by some of the UK's top talent as he attended the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.

Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were greeted at the star-studded event by singer Leona Lewis.

The royal couple were then entertained by Duffy and Take That among others, with Charles guffawing throughout comedian Jimmy Carr's risque set.