The Queen and Prince Philip met up with some of Britain's best-loved entertainers on Monday, as the 75th Royal Variety Performance was staged in Edinburgh.
TV presenter Cat Deeley, comedian Dame Edna Everage and boyband Busted all made memorable contributions to the evening, but it was former boxing champ Frank Bruno who got the biggest cheer.
The athlete, who was making his first public appearance since suffering a high-profile breakdown in September, was met by a standing ovation when he took to the stage. "I love Scotland," he said. "I'm very grateful for the support from my Scottish fans and I'm feeling good, really wicked, and I'd love to thank them all."
Italian star Luciano Pavarotti, who recently celebrated his 40th anniversary as an opera singer, also had trouble concealing his elation. "All my heart and my voice is here," he told the Queen. "With emotion I will sing for you." The legendary tenor then gave a rousing recital of the song Caruso to a rapturous reception.
Other big names strutting their stuff in Edinburgh's Festival Theatre included Rachel Stevens, Donny Osmond and Gloria Estefan.
This was the first year in its history that the show has been staged outside London. The first Royal Variety Performance was held back in 1912 in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
