Royal Variety Performance: Prince Edward came under fire for remaining mute during national anthem

Wednesday night's "The Royal Variety Performance" watchers were perplexed when they realized Prince Edward was not singing the national anthem. The Royal Family guests of honor for 2022 were Prince Edward and Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen had not attended the occasion since 2012, but this year was the first time it has been staged since her passing in September at the age of 96. The new national song, now sung as "God Save the King", was performed for the first time at the celebration.

Though Edward and Sophie were in attendance to represent the royal family, observant viewers couldn't help but point out that he wasn't performing the song.


Her spouse stood there, gazing out into the Royal Albert Hall, as Sophie was spotted mouthing the words.



One Twitter user commented that he found it lovely to see Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex supporting King Charles and Prince William because everyone can't be everywhere at once and needs to divide the work. Still, he also wondered why Prince Edward wasn't singing the national anthem because he was so tight-lipped.

Another commenter questioned why Edward didn't sing the national anthem, but Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, did. Did Edward imagine himself as King during the National Anthem, a user questioned? He's meant to sing, too, isn't he?

FAQs:

1. What takes place at the Royal Variety Performance?
   Senior members of the British royal family attend. The evening's presentation is a live variety show, typically from a London theater. It features family-friendly entertainment such as comedy, music, dancing, magic, and other specialty acts.
2. The Royal Variety Performance is how old?
   It was first held in 1912 and is presented yearly to benefit the Royal Variety Charity.