- For a general description of performances for the monarch, see Royal Command Performance.
The
Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening held annually in the United Kingdom, which is attended by senior members of the
British Royal Family, usually the reigning monarch. The reigning monarch either attends in person or is represented by another member of the Royal Family. Queen
Elizabeth II and the
Prince of Wales have alternately attended the performance for the last few years. The evening's performance is a
variety show consisting of family entertainment, including
comedy, singing, dancing,
magic and other speciality acts, and many of the performers and hosts are celebrities. The event is organised on behalf of the
Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund of which Queen Elizabeth II is patron. All proceeds are donated to the fund.