In a heartwarming display of familial bond and musical talent, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, and her daughter, Princess Charlotte, delighted audiences with a surprise piano duet during the annual “Together at Christmas” carol service. This enchanting moment, captured in a pre-recorded performance, aired on Christmas Eve, bringing a touch of royal magic to holiday celebrations across the United Kingdom and beyond. As the world tuned in to ITV for the broadcast, viewers were treated to a tender mother-daughter collaboration that underscored the themes of love, connection, and togetherness that defined the event.
The duet, performed on a grand piano in the historic Inner Hall of Windsor Castle, featured the pair playing “Holm Sound,” a serene and evocative piece composed by Scottish musician Erland Cooper. Released in 2020 as a single, the composition draws inspiration from the natural landscapes of Orkney, where Cooper hails from, evoking the gentle ebb and flow of coastal waters with its minimalist melody and subtle harmonies. Clocking in at just under three minutes, the track’s simplicity made it an ideal choice for a four-hand arrangement, allowing Kate to handle the left-hand parts while Charlotte took the right. The performance was not just a musical interlude but a symbolic opening to the service, setting a tone of warmth and intimacy amid the grandeur of the holiday season.
Kate, dressed in an elegant ensemble that blended sophistication with approachability, narrated the accompanying video with a soft, reflective voice. She spoke of Christmas as a time when love manifests in the simplest acts—listening, offering comfort, sharing conversations, extending help, and simply being present. “These gentle gestures might seem small,” she said, “but they weave into the beautiful tapestry of life we all share.” Her words resonated deeply, especially in a year marked by global challenges, reminding everyone of the power of human connection. Charlotte, at just 10 years old, appeared poised and focused, her small hands confidently navigating the keys alongside her mother’s. The young princess, known for her growing interest in the arts, has been developing her musical skills, much like her mother did in her youth.
This wasn’t Kate’s first foray into public piano performance. Back in 2021, during the inaugural “Together at Christmas” service, she accompanied singer-songwriter Tom Walker on the piano for his poignant ballad “For Those Who Can’t Be Here.” That moment, too, was a surprise and earned widespread acclaim for showcasing her musical abilities. Kate’s background in music dates back to her childhood; she achieved grade three in piano and grade five in music theory, and she also played the flute throughout her school years at St. Andrew’s in Pangbourne, Berkshire, until the age of 18. Music has always been a part of her life, a passion she has passed on to her children. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are all encouraged to explore creative pursuits, with Charlotte showing particular enthusiasm for piano lessons and other artistic endeavors.
The “Together at Christmas” carol service itself has become a cherished tradition since its inception in 2021. Spearheaded by Kate and supported by the Royal Foundation, the event was originally conceived as a tribute to community heroes who stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to honor those who provided support, comfort, and inspiration in times of isolation and uncertainty. Over the years, it has evolved into an annual highlight of the royal calendar, blending traditional carols with modern elements to appeal to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Held at the iconic Westminster Abbey, the service brings together a diverse congregation of about 1,600 guests, including royals, celebrities, charity workers, and everyday individuals making a difference in their communities.
In 2025, marking its fifth year, the service adopted the theme of “love in all its forms,” celebrating connections within families, friendships, communities, and across generations, cultures, and beliefs. The event took place on December 5, with the broadcast following on Christmas Eve. Attendees arrived under a canopy of twinkling lights, greeted by the abbey’s majestic architecture adorned with festive decorations. Among the notable guests were actors such as Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Joe Locke, who participated in readings that highlighted stories of compassion and resilience. Musicians like Katie Melua, Dan Smith of Bastille, and Zac Abel delivered stirring performances, while the Westminster Abbey choir led the congregation in beloved carols like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
The royal family was out in full force, adding a layer of warmth to the proceedings. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, delivered a Bible reading from the pulpit, his voice steady and sincere as he shared passages emphasizing unity and kindness. The couple’s children—Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 10; and Prince Louis, 7—joined in the festivities with enthusiasm. Before the service began, the young royals contributed handwritten notes to a large Christmas tree outside the abbey, each note bearing their names and messages of hope. George and Louis sported smart navy blue suits with white shirts, while Charlotte wore a navy blue dress accented with a white collar. Kate opted for a striking winter green coat dress by Catherine Walker, which complemented the ties of her sons—George’s in matching green and Louis’s in a subtle blue-green plaid. Prince William rounded out the family look in a classic dark blue suit.
Extended family members also attended, underscoring the event’s emphasis on togetherness. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were present, along with her brother James and his wife Alizée Thevenet. Other royals included Lady Sarah Chatto, Zara Tindall and her husband Mike, and Lord Frederick Windsor with his wife Sophie Winkelman and their daughters Maud and Isabella. This gathering of relatives highlighted the service’s role in fostering familial bonds, even within the structured world of royalty.
Beyond the star-studded lineup, the service shone a spotlight on unsung heroes. Guests included individuals from various charities and organizations, such as those supported by the Royal Foundation’s early childhood initiatives and mental health programs. Poems and personal stories shared during the event illustrated how acts of kindness—whether through volunteering, supporting neighbors, or advocating for causes—create ripples of positive change. One particularly moving segment featured readings by young people from Future Talent, a charity dedicated to nurturing musical abilities in underprivileged children, echoing the service’s musical theme.
The surprise duet between Kate and Charlotte was a highlight that captured the essence of the evening. Filmed the week prior at Windsor Castle, it was released via the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account, quickly going viral with millions of views. Fans and royal watchers praised the authenticity of the moment, noting how it humanized the monarchy. Charlotte’s participation marked a milestone, as she steps into the public eye more frequently, following in her mother’s footsteps. At her age, Charlotte is already showing a keen interest in music, dance, and sports, with reports of her enjoying ballet and piano practice at home. This duet not only showcased her emerging talents but also symbolized the passing of traditions from one generation to the next.
In her letter included in the order of service, Kate reflected on the importance of compassion: “The time, care, and compassion you give make an extraordinary difference.” These words encapsulated the spirit of the event, which sought to remind everyone that in a world often divided, small acts of love can bridge gaps and build stronger communities. The service’s blend of tradition and modernity— from ancient carols to contemporary compositions like “Holm Sound”—mirrored this message, showing how the past and present can harmonize beautifully.
As the broadcast concluded, viewers were left with a sense of uplift and inspiration. The royal family’s involvement, particularly the touching mother-daughter duet, served as a reminder that Christmas is about more than gifts and festivities; it’s about cherishing relationships and spreading joy. In a year where Kate herself faced personal health challenges earlier on, her return to such public engagements with grace and positivity was especially poignant.
The “Together at Christmas” service continues to grow in popularity, with community versions now held across the UK, extending its reach beyond the abbey walls. For many, it has become synonymous with the holiday season, much like the royal Christmas Day walk at Sandringham. This year’s edition, with its unforgettable piano duet, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most endearing, reinforcing the monarchy’s role in promoting unity and goodwill.
In the end, Kate and Charlotte’s performance was more than just notes on a keyboard—it was a melody of love, a duet that resonated with hearts worldwide, proving that even in the spotlight of royalty, the simplest moments can be the most profound.
