Will Princess Kate play the piano at her carol concert? I wouldn’t put it past her as she ends year on a high
PRINCESS Kate stunned royal followers when she did a breathtaking piano performance at her Christmas carol concert in 2021 – but could we see her play it again this year?
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, broadcaster Katie Nicholl said we should “never underestimate” the “capacity for surprise”.
The royal expert was asked if it was likely that the Princess of Wales would give another performance following the end to her chemotherapy.
She told The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson: “I’m not sure whether she’s going to be involved in the performance at all.
“I think, if anything, certainly, she’s been very much involved behind the scenes.
“She’s taking meetings, and she’ll be involved in the whole structure of the event.
“I mean, we’ve yet to see. The capacity for surprise, never underestimate it.
“But I think it’s more just her being able to be there and, and to your point about taking, taking joy from her work.”
Brave Kate revealed her hidden talent as she overcame nerves to play the piano during her Christmas carol concert three years ago at Westminster Abbey.
Festive footage from the hour-long carol concert showed Kate behind the piano joining Tom Walker as he performed his hit ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’.
Kate’s pals said that she “recognises the powerful way in which music brings people together” and in particular “during difficult times”.
Kate’s secret stint behind the piano was kept under wraps before the show – until the palace released a four-second teaser prior to it airing.
We also saw her playing the piano in 2023 during the opening of the Eurovision Grand Final.
Kate’s triumphant return
Princess Kate has had a tough year following her cancer diagnosis in March, but revealed in September that she has finished her chemotherapy treatment.
In a heartwarming video, Kate said she is “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
But she said she was “looking forward” to being back at work and taking on a few more public engagements in the coming months.
The mum-of-three joined the royal family on Remembrance Sunday and it has been confirmed she is well enough to host her annual carol concert this December.
Katie added: “I feel that the year ends on a note of hope and optimism for her, and I think that’s hugely, hugely important.
“That she’s able to not just host, but she’s going to attend this event. She’s been working on it behind the scenes.
I feel that the year ends on a note of hope and optimism for her [Princess Kate], and I think that’s hugely, hugely important
Katie Nicholl
“I’m predicting a big family turnout. I think the Middletons will be there. I think the children will be there.
“You know, this is, this is Catherine’s baby. This is very much her thing.
“She’s done this for the past four years. She loves it. She’s passionate about it. She’s going to have a great turnout of celebrities. It’s going to be wonderful music.
“The Abbey is going to be beautifully dressed for Christmas, and she looks forward to it, as do the children.
“So I think it’s just a way of ending what has clearly been a very turbulent and difficult year on a high.”
William revealed Kate aims to step up her royal engagements in 2025.
He said: “I think hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so, we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up.”
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent abdominal surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the Princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but pens letter to Irish Guards revealing: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 15: Kate attends Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attends the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
August 11: Kate and William release video congratulating Team GB after the Paris Olympics
August 25: Kate is seen heading to church
September 9: Kate shares moving video revealing she has finished chemotherapy
October 15: Kate shares hand written note during Baby Loss Awareness Week
Kate’s previous piano moment
Sources close to Kate revealed her 2021 Christmas performance was pre-recorded in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, the day before the service.
And the idea for the performance was Kate’s after she watched him sing earlier that year.
A royal source said: “She was impressed by Tom when she met him and heard him play ‘Leave a Light On’ – a song about the struggles of those experiencing addiction, an issue which as you know, she is passionate about – at a Forward Trust event in October.
“He was approached to play at the service, and his Christmas song, ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’, which has such pertinence for so many this year, also struck a chord with the Duchess who came up with the idea of accompanying Tom on the piano.
“Music was very important to the Duchess during the lockdowns and playing the piano brought great comfort to her.
“She also recognises the powerful way in which music brings people together – especially during difficult times.”
Kate’s piano skills
Piano teacher Daniel Nicholls taught Kate to play the piano between the ages of 11 and 13.
But in 2021, he said: “I don’t think she was ever going to be a concert pianist.”
The Abbey is going to be beautifully dressed for Christmas, and she [Princess Kate] looks forward to it [her concert], as do the children. I think it’s just a way of ending what has clearly been a very turbulent and difficult year on a high
Katie Nicholl
Musical Kate swapped piano for playing the flute and singing in her teenage years.
Speaking after the recording, performer Tom Walker said: “It was truly an honour playing alongside The Duchess for Royal Carols: Together at Christmas.
“Without doubt, it was a once in a lifetime experience. So I think we were both really nervous that it wasn’t going to go quite to plan and one of us would let down the other person or whatever, but she was absolutely fabulous – she smashed it.”