Surprising many across the world, The Duchess of Cambridge performed the piano accompaniment to Tom Walker’s Christmas song, ‘For Those Who Cannot Be Here’.
In a clip released earlier today, the Duchess is seen, from behind, sitting down at a piano in Westminster Abbey and beginning to play — the first time that the public have seen her perform.
Royal watchers were excited by the silent teaser clip, many not knowing of the Duchess’ abilities.
The Duchess of Cambridge played the piano whilst Tom Walker sang (ITV Still)
The Duchess was featured in the performance, seen tinkling the ivories as singer Tom was accompanied by a string quartet and backing singers.
He revealed that he and the Royal had practiced together in secrecy ahead of the concert, and that he was impressed at how quickly the Duchess got the hang of it.
As a girl, Catherine passed her grade three piano and grade five music theory exams. Her tutor, Daniel Nicholls, composed a special piece for his former pupil before the 2011 royal wedding.
Nicholls, who also taught her siblings, said that Kate was a good student. Speaking to the BBC previously, he commented: “She was lovely, she was a normal student and very pleasant.”
However, he added: “I don’t think she was ever going to be a concert pianist.”
Tonight. @ITV. 7:30pm ??? #TogetherAtChristmas pic.twitter.com/6XEfwDJHQG
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 24, 2021
The Duchess of Cambridge is known to be a keen photographer, regularly taking family snapshots and releasing them to the public for birthdays and family occasions.
In recent years, her artistic ability was revealed when Catherine created a sketch of St Mark’s church for the order of services at sister Pippa’s 2017 wedding. A watercolour of St Andrews, made by Kate whilst at university, formed part of a thank you card from her and William earlier in 2021, following a visit north of the border. The then-Kate Middleton studied art at A-Level and then studied History of art in Scotland.
This musical talent, however, was unexpected and will surprise many.
Prior to the event, the Duchess helped prepare Westminster Abbey – the location of her wedding to Prince William – for the concert by decorating the Christmas tree, which had been donated by the Head of the Church of England and her grandmother-in-law, The Queen, from the woodlands of Windsor Great Park; wreaths were also supplied by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
At the concert, William and Catherine were joined by Princess Eugenie, new parents Princess Beatrice and Edo, Zara and Mike Tindall, as well as The Countess of Wessex, and the Middleton family.
Prince William, Kate, Sophie, Zara and Mike Tindall taking part in a carol service at Westminster Abbey. The service will be broadcast on Christmas Eve.
The event took place earlier in December, with entertainment from the likes Ellie Goulding, and Leona Lewis, too, while The Duke of Cambridge gave a reading as did young leukaemia patient, Mila Sneddon, who has become fast friends with the Duchess.
Attendees were largely pandemic heroes – those who had shown leadership, compassion, and kindness during the darkest days.
The Duke of Cambridge gave a reading during the carol service
The Cambridges are spending their Christmas in Norfolk, while Prince Charles and Camilla will join The Queen at Windsor, after she cancelled her Sandringham break.
