IF PRINCE William and Kate Middleton's four-year romance is back on again, the couple were giving nothing away. They sat two rows apart in the Royal Box at the Concert for Diana as a crowd of 63,000 watched an all-star line-up pay tribute to the late Princess. If the older prince was studiously avoiding the lady in his life, his brother Harry couldn't take his eyes off his.
As he took his seat he bent down and kissed his girlfriend Chelsy Davy tenderly, demonstrating that the couple have - temporarily at least - been able to put their recent troubles behind them. The princes had stood alongside one another to introduce the event at Wembley Stadium on what would have been Diana's 46th birthday. Sir Elton John had opened with a performance of Your Song before announcing William and Harry as the 'two people who have made this all possible'.
They appeared overwhelmed as they entered to a standing ovation but Harry rose to the occasion, shouting a rock star-like 'Hello, Wembley!' Many of the audience were shouting and cheering and others were in tears. Despite admitting to 'terrible' pre-gig nerves, both appeared relaxed, dressed in jackets, open-necked shirts and chinos as they spoke to the crowd - and an estimated 160million television viewers world-wide.
As they stood in front of the sea of supporters, it was clear that the young royals had fulfilled their promise to make it the best birthday present the late Princess of Wales had 'ever had'. 'This event is about all that our mother loved in life - her music, her dancing, her charities and her family and friends,' said William, 25. 'We just want you to have an awesome time and enjoy the line-up.
' Harry added: 'It's great to see so many of you here supporting this very special show.' The concert marked the 10th anniversary of Diana's death and featured acts including Lily Allen, Take That, Kanye West and Sir Tom Jones as well as Bryan Ferry, Status Quo and Rod Stewart. Prince Harry also delivered a special message to his Household Cavalry squadron serving in Iraq before introducing one of his mother's favourite bands, Eighties heartthrobs Duran Duran.
But while Harry sat down with Miss Davy, William and Miss Middleton remained apart. Although the couple kept a careful distance from each other at the concert, a royal source spoke of Miss Middleton's visit to Clarence House on Saturday night. The revelation made Take That's rendition of Want You Back For Good - which got both William and Kate swaying - all the more poignant.
Alongside the princes in the royal box were Diana's siblings, Earl Spencer, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and Lady Jane Fellowes. Other young royals included Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie who couldn't resist jumping to their feet and dancing when rap star Pharrell Williams came on stage. David and Victoria Beckham watched the concert from another stadium box with their three children and other family members.
It was American songstress Nelly Furtado, however, who persuaded the princes to throw caution to the wind - even if they didn't quite shed their jackets - and they joined in with a Mexican wave as the crowd waited for Sir Tom Jones to take to the stage. Guest stars including Sienna Miller, Kiefer Sutherland, Dennis Hopper and Simon Cowell introduced the acts. Rod Stewart's emotional We are Sailing got the entire stadium swaying with their hands in the air, including the Royal Box.
John Taylor of Duran Duran said William and Harry had been keen for them to keep their set 'upbeat. He added: 'I thought it was very brave of them to put this show on. I can only imagine the emotions that there would be putting on this in remembrance.
' Gary Barlow Links on Starswelove.
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