The Prince and Princess of Wales shook hands with Paddington Bear and discussed marmalade sandwiches backstage at this year's Royal Variety Performance.

Paddington, in the form of an actor in a costume from the beloved bear's new West End musical, performed for the royal couple at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday.

Prince William said the performance was "fantastic", before adding: "Your sandwich looks very nice."

Catherine, Princess of Wales, said their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were "very sad" to miss the event.

Paddington has a close connection with the Royal Family, after the character famously appeared in a sketch with the late Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

This year's charity performance was hosted by comedian Jason Manford and featured stars including Sir Stephen Fry, fresh from his appearance on The Celebrity Traitors, and singer Jessie J.

The pop star, who has had surgery for breast cancer, shared a hug with the princess, who was attending her first Royal Variety Performance since her recovery from cancer.

"Mum to mum, who has just recently gone through cancer, I just wanted to give her a hug," Jessie J said afterwards.

"We acknowledged that it's something that is not easy to go through, especially in the public eye."

Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins kicked off the event by singing the national anthem.

Sir Stephen performed an excerpt from his current West End play, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, and also discussed The Celebrity Traitors appearance with Prince William.

Westlife were among the other performers, along with Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe, who gave a glimpse of his forthcoming role in stage musical Kinky Boots.

Gladiators Jamie Christian Johal and Livi Sheldon also showed off their muscles on the Royal Variety Performance red carpet.

The Royal Variety Performance will be screened on ITV in December.