A royal duet! Kate Middleton is joined by her daughter Charlotte on the piano as they perform together at the opening of the princess’s star-studded Christmas carol concert
The Princess of Wales and her daughter Charlotte have teamed up for a ‘special’ piano duet – with the stunning performance airing on Kate’s star-studded Christmas carol concert tonight.
The royal duet delighted fans during the opening segment of the programme – ‘Together at Christmas’ – which was on ITV1 and ITVX from 7.25pm.
It was shown alongside a voiceover of Kate reading the letter that was given to guests at Westminster Abbey, and footage of people arriving for the service on December 5.
Kate, 43, and 10-year-old Princess Charlotte played Holm Sound by Erland Cooper – a Scottish composer and producer from the Orkney Islands – whose work is inspired by nature and connection, themes which are of deep importance to the Princess of Wales.
Holm Sound was written and composed by Erland for his mother, Charlotte.
The special moment was recorded in the Inner Hall at Windsor Castle last week and the royals were joined on the day by Erland himself.
The Prince and Princess of Wales teased the duet this morning by posting a cryptic surprise on their joint Instagram account.
The clip panned across a festively decorated room to show two hands, one with a large ring, resting on a piano.
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The Princess of Wales and her daughter Princess Charlotte have teamed up for a stunning ‘special’ piano duet
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The duet feature during the opening segment of the programme – ‘Together at Christmas’ – which aired on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.25pm
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Kate, 43, and 10-year-old Princess Charlotte played Holm Sound by Erland Cooper
They captioned the clip: ‘A special duet…’
In the voiceover, Kate said: ‘At its heart Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest most human ways.
‘Not in sentimental or grand gestures. But gentle ones. A moment of listening. A word of comfort. A friendly conversation. A helping hand. Presents.
‘These simple acts of care might seem small but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong.
‘Christmas is a time which reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together. Just as the roots of trees share strength between the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we.
‘We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection.
‘At a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain, the Christmas season invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another with generosity of heart, understanding and hope.
‘This carol service offers a moment of collective togetherness, a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service and to honour the visible and invisible bonds which unite us all.
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A beaming Kate and Charlotte recorded the stunning performance in the Inner Hall at Windsor Castle last week
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Both Kate and Charlotte wore golden bracelets on their wrists as they played Holm Sound
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The Prince and Princess of Wales and children George (centre left), Charlotte and Louis (centre right) attended the service at Westminster Abbey on December 5
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Prince William delivered a reading of the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke from the New Testament
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Actress Kate Winslet, 50, also delivered a reading titled ‘A reflection of love and connection’
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The royal couple posted a cryptic image of a piano on Instagram on Christmas Eve morning
‘The time, care and compassion you give often quietly and unspoken and without any expection or recognition make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.
‘As the year draws to a close I hope this season brings you moments of peace and clarity and that you too feel surrounded by the same love and care which you offer so freely.
‘Thank you for the warmth you have given and the kindess you have shown and the quiet constant light you bring to others.
‘Wishing you a very happy Christmas.’
Actress Vicky McClure, famous for her roles in Trigger Point and Line Of Duty, narrated the service after Kate’s introduction.
After the opening segment the programme continued with a performance of the hymns Once in Royal David’s City and a Sussex Carol by the Westminster Abbey choir, before a speech by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, the 39th Dean of Westminster.
Prince William delivered a reading of the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke from the New Testament.
Actress Kate Winslet, 50, also performed a reading titled ‘A reflection of love and connection’.
And there were musical performances from actor Hannah Waddingham, singers Katie Melua, Dan Smith, Griff and Cornish folk music group Fisherman’s Friends.
It also features two community films, with one focusing on an artist from Fleetwood, Lancashire, who puts on a Christmas dinner for those alone at this time of year.
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Kate has played the piano at previous festive concerts including in 2021 when she put on a touching performance at a Westminster Abbey service (pictured)
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‘Together at Christmas’ aired on ITV at 7.25pm on Christmas Eve and was narrated by actress Vicky McClure
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Kate, pictured, far left, and Tom Walker, right, gave an emotional performance by candlelight at Westminster Abbey in 2021
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Sweet snaps showed Prince Louis sharing an adorable moment with his mother Kate at her Christmas carol service on December 5
The second involved students from London’s Platinum Performing Arts – who performed in the service.
Kate has played the piano at previous festive concerts, including in 2021 when she put on a touching performance at a Westminster Abbey service which aired on TV.
On that occasion, she stunned onlookers as she played the piano to accompany singer Tom Walker with a poignant song performed by candlelight at the service in London.
They played his Christmas single For Those Who Can’t Be Here together – and despite the duchess reportedly feeling ‘quite nervous’, fans rushed to praise her performance.
Others noted how Kate seemingly channelled her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who surprised onlookers in 1988 in Australia with her own piano performance.
Meanwhile, sweet new pictures released on Tuesday showed Kate and Prince Louis sharing an adorable moment at her Christmas carol concert.
Royal fans swooned at the unseen snaps of the princess and her three children at her annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Their heart-warming bond was clear for all to see as Princess Charlotte, arrived to support her mother alongside her father, Prince William, 43, and brothers, Princes George, 12, and Louis, seven.
The whole family was sleek in navy and green, as the boys wore smart suits while Charlotte was adorable in a blue dress with a white collar – a perfect complement to her mother’s emerald.
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Charlotte, who wore a navy dress, stayed close to her mother as they entered the event
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Onlookers noted how during Kate’s 2021 performance she seemingly channelled her late mother-in-law Princess Diana
Kate was pictured beaming proudly at her children, leading them towards Westminster Abbey as they admired the festive light decorations ahead of the service – which will be aired on Christmas Eve.
And once inside, the Princess of Wales helped Louis balance a candle while she held onto an order of service in her other hand.
In adorable scenes, Kate could be seen speaking quietly to her youngest son, while he sat with a cheeky grin on his face.
Princess Catherine’s close relationship with her daughter Charlotte was also on show at the carol service, which is now in its fifth year.
The pair’s faces visibly lit up with joy as they spotted each other outside Westminster Abbey before the concert kicked off.
Bearing a wide grin, the Princess of Wales quickly held her arm out to embrace her daughter, who looked equally delighted to support her mother at the event.
The family were later photographed walking into the Abbey together, and Kate continued to lovingly direct her gaze at her daughter.
