It is one of Kate Middleton’s most cherished Christmas traditions, and this year it came with a very special surprise. The traditional 'Together at Christmas' carol service aired this evening for the fifth time on Christmas Eve.
At 7:25 p.m. in the United Kingdom, ITV1 and ITVX broadcast the concert, during which viewers saw Kate seated at the piano, accompanied for the first time by her ten-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte.
Mother and daughter became the stars of the programme’s opening sequence, which also featured a voiceover by the Princess of Wales reading the letter presented to guests, along with images of attendees arriving at the service.
Together, they performed 'Holm Sound' by Scottish composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper, whose work is deeply influenced by his roots and inspired by nature. Kate and Charlotte particularly enjoy playing this piece together at home, and they have now shared it with the audience.
The concert was recorded several days ago at Westminster Abbey in London, as is customary. The event, organised by the Princess of Wales with the support of The Royal Foundation, was attended by Kate herself alongside Prince William, their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, as well as other members of the British Royal Family and the Middleton family.
In the video, mother and daughter are seated at the piano in a room decorated for the occasion with candles and an array of festive details, including a Christmas tree, all bathed in warm, soft lighting.
Kate Middleton, wearing a dark dress, affectionately embraces her daughter, who is dressed in a checked skirt, a blue jumper, and a golden bow in her hair, adding the perfect festive touch for the season.
The 'Together at Christmas' service brought together more than 1,600 people from across the United Kingdom. It featured performances by the Westminster Abbey Choir singing much-loved carols, as well as musical contributions from Zak Abel, Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua, the Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends, and the youth arts organisation Platinum Performing Arts.
Guests also enjoyed readings delivered by speakers, including the Prince of Wales and Kate Winslet. Attendees received a letter from their hostess, the Princess of Wales, thanking them for their kindness. In the message, Kate Middleton reflects on the impact we have on one another and on the opportunity for reconnection that Christmas offers.
This is not the first time Kate has been seen at the piano, an instrument she learned to play as a child. She showcased her skill when she made a surprise appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, and previously on Christmas Eve 2021, when she accompanied Tom Walker during his performance of 'For Those Who Can’t Be Here.' However, this marks Princess Charlotte’s first public musical debut.