William and Kate take children to pantomime show in first red carpet as family of five

Show staged to thank key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children have appeared together at a red carpet engagement for the first time.

William and Kate took Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to the London Palladium on Friday to watch a pantomime.

When they first arrived, seven-year-old George, Charlotte, five, and two-year-old Louis waved to crowds and stopped to watch actors dressed as elves entertaining guests at the event.

For the occasion, Kate wore a long black dress with a ruffle collar by Alessandra Rich, a Halcyon Days gold bangle and a pair of Simone Rocha Pearl drop earrings, while William layered a festive red pullover under a navy suit.

Prince George was dressed in a red and navy Ralph Lauren jumper, while his sister Charlotte, wore a checked dress. Youngest Louis, wore an Amaia wool jacket, which was previously owned by his big brother.

The family then took their seats in the Royal Box to watch a performance of The National Lottery’s Pantoland at The Palladium, starring Julian Clary, Beverley Knight and Elaine Paige.

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The special show was staged to thank key workers from across the capital and their families for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Before the performance, William made a speech to thank everyone for the sacrifices they have made to keep the country operating and to support their communities this year.

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“We are here tonight for a very special performance. Special, because of you – the key workers here in the audience,” he said.

“You include community workers, volunteers, teachers, NHS staff, representatives from the emergency services and military, researchers working on the vaccine, people helping the homeless, those manning vital call centres, and staff from a wide range of frontline charities – to name but a few.

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“You have given your absolute all this year, and made remarkable sacrifices.”

During the interval, William and Kate also met a small number of key worker families to hear more about their experiences, before popping backstage to thank the cast and crew.

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The trip came after the royal couple completed a three-day tour of the UK by royal train to thank key workers and volunteers.

While officials said the engagements had been planned in accordance with government guidelines for each devolved nation, the duke and duchess came under fire from some ministers in Scotland and Wales for crossing the borders.

However, a spokesperson for Boris Johnson said he believed the tour was a “welcome morale boost”.

“The prime minister is delighted to see the warm reception the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received on their hugely valuable train tour of England, Scotland and Wales,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“The tour will be a welcome morale boost to frontline workers who have done so much during the pandemic.”