Princess Charlotte’s Adorable Backstage Request to West End ‘Mary Poppins’ Star Revealed
West End star Zizi Strallen has shared a behind-the-scenes memory involving Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte during a private trip to London’s theatre district. Speaking to HELLO!, Strallen—currently starring as Glinda in Wicked—recalled the sweet moment when the Princess of Wales brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte backstage following a performance of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre in 2022.
A ‘Cuddle with Mary Poppins’
According to Strallen, niece of British theatre icon Bonnie Langford, Kate made a polite and endearing inquiry on behalf of her young daughter:
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The Backstage Ask:“Kate brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to see Mary Poppins. They came backstage, and she said to me: ‘Would it be OK for Charlotte to have a cuddle with Mary Poppins?’ I was like: ‘Yes!’ She wanted to hug me, which was really cute.”
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A Surreal Double-Billing: Strallen noted that the matinee visit was part of an unusually star-studded day at the theatre, as David and Victoria Beckham attended the evening performance just hours later with three of their children, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
A Childhood Immersed in the Arts
The anecdote highlights William and Catherine’s habit of introducing their children to London’s performing arts:
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Pantomime and Ballet: Charlotte made her red-carpet debut at the London Palladium in December 2020 for a special performance of Pantoland, and Kate has regularly taken the children to local dance performances and West End productions.
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Outgoing Persona: Royal biographers and observers have frequently noted Charlotte’s buoyant, natural confidence. Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously remarked:“Charlotte is the most buoyant and outgoing of the three children. It’s that strength of character that will stand her in good stead when she’s older.”
Now 11, Charlotte has returned to Lambrook School in Berkshire for Year 7 alongside Prince Louis (Year 4), continuing a busy term of academic and sporting pursuits while elder brother Prince George settles into boarding life at Eton College.
