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Royal piano duet airs in Christmas carol service
The Princess of Wales and her daughter, Princess Charlotte, shared a pre-recorded piano performance for this year's Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, broadcast on Christmas Eve.
Pre-recorded performance at Windsor Castle
The mother-daughter pair played a piece by Scottish composer Erland Cooper titled Holm Sound, recorded last week in Windsor Castle's Inner Hall. Kensington Palace had teased the duet earlier with a clip showing Catherine and an unidentified partner at the piano.
During the performance, Catherine used only her left hand while Charlotte played with her right, a choice that highlighted their coordination. Footage of guests arriving at the carol service-including the Prince of Wales and Catherine-was intercut with the performance, showing the royal children decorating a "connection tree" with paper chains bearing their names.
A message of simple connections
In a voiceover accompanying the clip, Catherine reflected on the meaning of Christmas: "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."
The theme of this year's service, "the power of love and togetherness," was chosen to honor those who contribute to society, particularly in a world that often feels fragmented. Organizers noted that Catherine wanted the performance to underscore the importance of human connections.
"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,"
Princess of Wales, in a letter included with the service order
Tradition and inclusion at the service
The Together at Christmas event, now in its fourth year, blended traditional and modern elements to welcome people of all faiths. Among the 1,600 guests were royals, celebrities, and community figures, who enjoyed readings and performances by actors like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as musicians including Katie Melua and Dan Smith.
The Prince of Wales delivered a Bible reading from the pulpit, while Princess Charlotte attended alongside her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis.
Catherine's musical history
This is not the first time the Princess of Wales has performed at the carol service. In 2021, she surprised audiences by accompanying singer-songwriter Tom Walker on piano during his performance of For Those Who Can't Be Here. Catherine, who holds a grade three piano certification and grade five music theory, has previously shared her love for playing with her children.
