The Princess of Wales has been joined by her daughter Princess Charlotte for a special piano recital as part of her Together at Christmas carol concert
The Princess of Wales has been joined by Princess Charlotte for a special duet as part of her Together at Christmas carol concert.
The mother and daughter duo surprised viewers tonight during the broadcast of the future queen’s Together at Christmas carol concert from Westminster Abbey. The service, now in its fifth year, has become a mainstay of the royal family’s calendar, inviting hundreds of community heroes to celebrate their efforts throughout the year.
During the opening segment of the programme on ITV1, Kate, 43 and Charlotte, 10, appeared side by side playing a special piece of music by Scottish composer Erland Cooper, renowned for taking inspiration for his melodic work from nature and connection.
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The themes have had deep importance to the Princess of Wales as she continues her recovery from cancer, after being diagnosed in March 2024. The original music, titled Holm Sound, was written in 2020 as a tribute to Mr Cooper’s mum, also called Charlotte.
As footage of Kate and Charlotte was shown, the Princess of Wales read a personally penned letter that was given to guests at the Abbey. She 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, presence.
“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 that 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 honor the visible and invisible bonds that unite us all.
“The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken and without any expectation 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 that you offer so freely. Thank you for the warmth you have given and the kindness you have shown and the quiet, constant light you bring to others. Wishing you a very happy Christmas.”
The special moment was recorded in the Inner Hall at Windsor Castle last week and Their Royal Highnesses were “delighted” to be joined on the day by Erland who was able to give them some guidance between takes. Earlier on Christmas Eve, Kensington Palace had teased an image of a piano on social media and later a clip of two hands together on the keys.
The clip led to mounting speculation that the future queen would once again be playing the piano at her annual concert, recorded earlier this month from Westminster Abbey. The Princess of Wales first demonstrated her musical talents on Christmas Eve in 2021, where she accompanied Tom Walker on the piano as he performed his song ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’ during the programme.
The artist has since described his and the royal’s duet as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” More than 1,600 attendees, including the Royal Family, joined the Princess of Wales for her fifth annual service, to celebrate the festive season.
In the order of service for the event, the princess wrote a personal message to the nation, urging everyone to come together “with generosity of heart, understanding and hope” amid testing times. The future queen spoke of the importance of checking in on loved ones and friends “at a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain”.
As part of this year’s themes of “love, compassion and connection”, the service also included readings from the Prince of Wales and award winning actor Kate Winslett. The princess, who is continuing her recovery from cancer treatment last year, has previously spoken of the power of immersing herself in nature as part of her healing process.
In her message, Kate also shared her vision of community and the festive season being intertwined “just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital”. In the broadcast, on ITV1 tonight and now available on ITVX, the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir also sang of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances from actor Hannah Waddingham, British singers Katie Melua, Dan Smith, and Griff, as well as Cornish folk music group, Fisherman’s Friends.
Guests also enjoy a special performance by young performers from Platinum Performing Arts, an organisation based in the heart of the community in Edmonton, North London. British actress Vicky McClure narrated the service after the Princess of Wales’s introduction.
The programme will also feature two community films, the first focused on Heather Johnstone, a community artist from Fleetwood, Lancashire, who runs a Christmas Dinner for anyone in the community who may be alone at Christmas. The second features students from Platinum Performing Arts, who performed in Westminster Abbey, based in Edmonton, North London, which provides a space for young people to embrace their creativity and make meaningful connections with one another.
