There was a touching moment when Prince William met Lionel Richie and the American entertainer shared a special memory of Princess Diana. Performing before guests in Alexandra Palace, the honey-voiced crooner serenaded the future King with Hello – telling the audience that it was the Princess' favourite song.
© Photo: Getty ImagesLionel Richie spoke of meeting Princess Diana at a concert in London
"Many years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Princess Diana and tonight we have Prince William here," said the 65-year-old.
He went on: "I must tell you it is a pleasure to be with all of you but especially this gentleman, because his mother came to me ... and she said 'my favourite song is Hello'.
"So I thought tonight the dedication is to you, my friend."
© Photo: PALionel Richie presented Princess Diana with gifts for her sons in 1987
Lionel met Diana, then aged 25, at a concert in London, along with his wife Brenda. The couple presented the young royal mother with two leather jackets for William and Harry, who were then four and two.
Thursday's event was a fundraiser for the charity Jewish Care, which supports people suffering from diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease and also offers support for survivors of the Nazi Holocaust.
It will be a busy few days for the royal family, who are due to be out in force on Saturday for the Trooping the Colour, which is the Queen's official birthday parade.
Then on 15 June, the Garter service will take place at Windsor Castle. Luckily for William, little Princess Charlotte is apparently sleeping well at night. His father Prince Charles revealed that the newborn is slightly easier than Prince George, meaning that the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, is getting more rest than expected.
In a few weeks time on Sunday 5 July the proud parents are celebrating Charlotte's christening. The service will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, just a stone's throw away from their country home Anmer Hall.
It is particularly fitting for baby Charlotte, whose full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, as the church was the same venue where the late Princess Diana was christened in August 1961.
