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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Susan Knox

Royal Variety Performance fans fume as Prince Edward stays 'silent' during National Anthem

Royal Variety Performance viewers tuned into the annual event this evening, as they watched the first ceremony without Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her passing in September.

Members of the Royal family in attendance this year included Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, and the event this year proved to be a rather confusing change for some viewers at home, who were struck by the change in the National Anthem.

Following the passing of the Queen, the national anthem is now sung as God Save the King amid King Charles' reign.

As viewers tuned into the emotional opening scenes from the Royal Albert Hall, some eagle-eyed viewers noticed that Prince Edward appeared to remain silent as others belted out the new national anthem.

While seated in the royal box Prince Edward - alongside Sophie, Countess of Wessex - appeared to be distracted as he gazed around the Royal Albert Hall while Sophie sang the words beside him.

One viewer tweeted: "Why did Sophie the Countess of Wessex sing the national anthem but Edward didn’t? @RoyalVariety."

"Did Edward think he was King during the National Anthem? Isn’t he supposed to sing too," another quipped.

"Prince Edward having NONE of the national anthem lol," someone else echoed.

"It's a bit disgraceful that Prince Edward has just remained tight-lipped during the national anthem. What is going on," another complained.

Elsewhere, others insisted that Prince Edward was simply 'distracted'.

"Leave him alone he was just distracted," one insisted, while another agreed: "He literally doesn't have to do anything. Calm down everyone."

Hosted by comedian Lee Mack this year, the entertainment industry's annual fundraising event for the Royal Variety Charity is dedicated to sharing support with those who have professionally served the entertainment industry and to those who are sick, impoverished or elderly.

The event, which first debuted back in 1912, features performances on the night and include everything from singers to comedians to magicians and dance acts.

Speaking about the honour of being chosen to host the prestigious event, the comedian said: “I was actually going to buy tickets for this year’s Royal Variety Performance, so not only is it a real honour to be asked to host it, it’s also saved me a few quid.

"I now just have to work out the logistics of introducing these brilliant acts and also rushing back to my seat to watch them.”

Stars who performed this year include George Ezra, Ellie Goulding, Sam Ryder and Becky Hill.

Elsewhere, actress Rita Wilson and two-time Grammy winner Gregory Porter sang a duet, and Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds performed their 1996 hit, Three Lions for those watching at home.

There was also a special version of Sing to honour the late Queen, and it was be performed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Take That’s Gary Barlow, choirmaster Gareth Malone and members of the London Youth Choir.

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