One Direction have weathered many a rumour in recent weeks that their reign as the global boy band du jour is shortly to expire.
However, if they needed any proof that they still rule in the hearts of their British fans, this is it.
Royal Variety Performance 2014
Prince William greets Harry Styles(01 of17)
Open Image ModalPrince William has a joke with host Michael McIntyre(02 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Duchess with comedian Sarah Millican and singer Ed Sheeran(03 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Duchess with Harry Styles and Simon Cowell(04 of17)
Open Image ModalPrince William gets a curtsey from Dame Shirley Bassey(05 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Duchess speaks to Bette Midler(06 of17)
Open Image ModalPrince William with Ed Sheeran(07 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Duchess with Ed Sheeran(08 of17)
Open Image ModalPrince William greets Ellie Goulding(09 of17)
Open Image ModalPrince William has a kiss for old friend Ellie Goulding(10 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Duchess with Dame Shirley Bassey(11 of17)
Open Image ModalDuchess of Cambridge with McBusted(12 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Duchess with the evening's host Michael McIntyre(13 of17)
Open Image ModalDuchess of Cambridge can't resist Harry Styles(14 of17)
Open Image ModalSimon Cowell with Harry Styles(15 of17)
Open Image ModalPrince William with One Direction(16 of17)
Open Image ModalDuchess of Cambridge with Jack Whitehall(17 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Royal Variety Performance, being screened tonight on ITV, was recorded back on 13 November, so fans have had plenty of time to get in a lather about seeing their favourites - Harry, Louis, Zayn, Liam and Niall - together on stage, particularly following Zayn's temporary absence from the publicity rounds for their new album, due to illness.
And a lather it has been. From the entire discussion on social media about the forthcoming show, now in its 86th year, a staggering 42% has centred on the boys. No one else even comes close, particularly impressive when you consider the lineup includes a pot pourri of stars, from Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran to Bette Midler and Dame Shirley Bassey. Comedy is being provided by Jack Whitehall and Russell Kane, with Michael McIntyre on hosting duties.
No surprises it's Harry Styles who's already stolen the majority of the limelight, either flashing his nipple (again) or sharing pavement with Ed Sheeran, which got one fan reaching for the record books...
Of all the other star performers, it's what's already happened off-stage that's caused the most interest. Lots of fans noticed the potential drama caused by Ellie Goulding turning up with her current love, Dougie Poynter of McBusted - immediately followed by her former flames Niall Horan and Ed Sheeran. #awkward, as a fan helpfully pointed out...
One person, however, has managed to grab the biggest spotlight, courtesy, no doubt, of being royal, of wearing a stunning frock… and showing a little bump for the first time. The Duchess of Cambridge has bagged an almighty 63% of all social media attention being showed on the special guests attending the performance. Even Harry Styles can't compete with that - on the other hand, nor does he have to deal with the unique attentions of Jack Whitehall…
'The Royal Variety Performance' is broadcast this evening, at 7.30pm on ITV1. All TV trends data referred to in this article has been supplied by Virgin Media, which provides access to up to 260+ channels including Freeview Channels, Virgin Movies, Sky Movies and Netflix.
One Direction Film New Music Video
1D Film On A Somerset Pier(01 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(02 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(03 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(04 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(05 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(06 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(07 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(08 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(09 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(10 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(11 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(12 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(13 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(14 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(15 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(16 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(17 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(18 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(19 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(20 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(21 of22)
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1D Film On A Somerset Pier(22 of22)
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