The Royal Naval Association (RNA) Choir is set to take to one of the most prestigious stages in British entertainment, performing at this year’s Royal Variety Performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday 20 November 2026.
In an exciting moment for the Association, the RNA Choir will join the cast of the award-winning West End musical Operation Mincemeat for a special performance in front of Their Majesties The King and Queen.
The Choir will perform alongside current and original cast members of the hit musical, together with musicians from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, the Band of the Irish Guards and the Band of the Welsh Guards Fanfare Team.
The Royal Variety Performance is one of the highlights of the British entertainment calendar, bringing together internationally renowned performers in support of the Royal Variety Charity.
This year’s star-studded line-up includes Andrea Bocelli, James Blunt, Idina Menzel, Vanessa Williams, Jack Savoretti and Alfie Boe, with comedian Jason Manford hosting the evening.
For the RNA Choir, the invitation represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase the talent, friendship and comradeship at the heart of the Association to a national television audience.
Andy Coles OBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Naval Association, said:
“This is a tremendous honour for the RNA Choir and a real moment of pride for the entire Royal Naval Association. For our members to be performing on the Royal Albert Hall stage in front of The King and Queen, and alongside some of the country’s most celebrated performers, is a truly remarkable achievement and one that is richly deserved. What makes this especially special is that the Choir represents everything that is best about the Royal Naval Association. Friendship, camaraderie and shared purpose are at the heart of what we do, and the Choir brings those values to life in a way that connects people from across our naval family.
“I know just how much dedication, commitment and enthusiasm goes into every performance, and I couldn’t be prouder of our Choir members. They will be wonderful ambassadors for the RNA, and I have no doubt they will do both the Association and the wider naval community proud.”
The RNA Choir brings together members of the naval community through a shared love of singing, providing opportunities to build friendships, strengthen connections and celebrate the unique spirit of the Royal Naval Association.
Its appearance alongside Operation Mincemeat is particularly fitting. The acclaimed musical tells the extraordinary true story of a daring British deception operation during the Second World War, which helped change the course of the conflict.
The Royal Variety Performance takes place on Friday 20 November at the Royal Albert Hall and will be broadcast on ITV during the Christmas period.
For the Royal Naval Association, it promises to be an unforgettable occasion and a wonderful celebration of the talent and camaraderie of the naval community.
Once Navy, Always Navy.
