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Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge shakes hands with Harry Styles of the boy band One Direction at the Royal Variety Performance, in support of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, at the Palladium Theatre in London, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Yui Mok, pool) Image Credit: ap

They have played in front of millions of screaming fans. But even One Direction aren’t totally immune from nerves.

Band member Liam Payne confessed after meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: “It’s the most nervous I think I’ve ever been.”

The pop stars greeted the royal couple at their first Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium on November 13.

Kate Middleton, in a Diane von Furstenberg gown, showed little sign of being nearly halfway through her second pregnancy.

But 1D singer Harry Styles said: “I said congratulations on the bump.” He added, though, that she “didn’t look bumpy”.

Prince William told the band he had been “keeping a close eye” on their career.

It was the first time the Duchess, who is 16 weeks pregnant, and Prince William have attended the event. Traditionally, the Queen or the Prince of Wales is guest of honour.

Middleton wore a black lace gown, with a chic up-do that showed off the scooped back.