Simon Cowell and his partner Lauren Silverman left their adorable little Eric at home on Thursday evening in order to attend the Royal Variety Performance. The 54-year-old music mogul was suited and booted for the evening at the London Palladium, looking handsome in a dark suit and white shirt, typically open at the collar. His partner, meanwhile, relaxed from mummy duty and was stunning in a strapless black gown that showed off her gorgeous figure. A string of diamonds around her neck, a matching bracelet and stud earrings and a small black woven clutch bag completed her elegant look, as well as a touch of dark berry lipstick and an elegant up'do.
Simon and Lauren were in good company on the night, with the One Direction boys arriving just a little ahead of them. Band member Harry Styles got to meet a very special guest on the evening – the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, whom he took the opportunity to congratulate on her pregnancy. Speaking afterwards, Harry told reporters: "I said congratulations on the bump... she didn't look bumpy." Prince William reportedly told Harry that he had been "keeping a close eye" on them, and Harry's bandmate Liam Payne added: "It's the most nervous I think I've ever been in my life."
Louis Tomlinson said he feared he had made a serious error, revealing: "I didn't say ma'am. I said - Hi. How are you? I'm Louis." The former X Factor contestants who are now international superstars performed for Duchess Kate and her husband Prince William at the show. Pregnant Kate and William arrived earlier on in the evening. The Duchess was the belle of the ball in a long black gown with full-length lace sleeves by Diane Von Furstenberg. She accessorised with a sparkly black clutch and Lola blue topaz hoop earrings by Kiki McDonough, while wearing her gorgeous brunette locks in a low chignon.