Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward hit new milestone as they dazzle on red carpet

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex both wore their best for an evening at London’s Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Royal Variety Charity. It marks the first time the pair have been chosen to represent the Royal Family at the event, a sign of their emerging popularity and place in the Firm.

• Sophie Wessex looked stunning in a specially designed Erdem silver dress while attending the Royal Variety Performance.
• Sophie and Prince Edward were representing the Royal Family for the first time at the event, which has previously been attended by the likes of the Queen and Prince Philip and Prince William and Kate Middleton.
• In other royal news, Queen’s Muppet character comparison showcased just how remarkable her sense of humor was.

Sophie Wessex shimmered and stunned in a special silver dress specially designed by Erdem while attending the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Albert Hall on Thursday.

She paired her Erdem gown perfectly with a pair of sophisticated silver earrings and a black glittery clutch bag.

Sophie complemented her sleek look with an elegant updo, and soft makeup consisting of a rosy blush and light pink lip.

Accompanying his wife at the prestigious event, Prince Edward cut just as dapper a figure in a black suit and bow tie.

The Wessexes attended the Royal Variety Performance as representatives of the family – the first time they’ve been chosen for such an honor. King Charles III, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle have all previously attended the celebratory night out before, with the Prince and Princess of Wales attending last year, following a pandemic-restricted event in 2020.

The Royal Variety Performance is an annual celebration of British arts and culture and has been an important event attended by key members of the Royal Family for over 100 years. The money raised helps hundreds of entertainers throughout who need help and assistance as a result of old age, poor health or hard times.

The very first Royal Variety was held in 1912 at the Palace Theatre, London, and was attended by King George V and Queen Mary.

The organization has been supported by the British monarch since King George V and is believed to be "the only charity to exist in the U.K. with such a long, unbroken line of patronage from the reigning monarch," per the organization’s website.

The charity states it was King George V's wish that a member of the royal family would always attend the annual performance "to demonstrate the royal family's love and support for the entertainment industry and its associated charity."

The 2022 Royal Variety Performance will be the 95th one to take place and the choice of Sophie and Edward proves that they are an important asset to the family, stepping up to take on more duties after the death of the Queen earlier this year.

The Royal Variety Performance is broadcast at a later date for audiences in the United Kingdom, and this year’s event will include performances from Nile Rogers & Chic, George Ezra, Ellie Goulding, the cast of the new West End production of Cabaret and the cast of Cirque du Soleil.