Kate Middleton has showcased one of her talents while celebrating the holidays.
The Duchess of Cambridge surprised royal fans with a piano performance during the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas live televised event. Prince William attended the event alongside his wife.
While the event was live, Kate's performance with singer Tom Walker was recorded the day prior at Westminster Abbey. The performance was Kate's idea after meeting the singer at the Forward Trust event this October. She heard his performance of "Leave a Light On," his song about the struggles of those experiencing addiction, per People magazine. The Duchess of Cambridge then came up with an idea for a poignant performance fitting of this year's holiday experience.
Kate first learned how to play the piano as a kid and has kept up with it. Still, it's pretty amazing that she was willing to perform in such a public matter.
"Music was very important to the Duchess during the lockdowns," a royal source explained.
"She also recognizes the powerful way in which music brings people together — especially during difficult times. For these reasons, she was keen to be part of Tom's performance in this way."
Kate chose Tom's holiday song "For Those Who Can't Be Here," which she felt had "such pertinence for so many this year." The two reportedly rehearsed together once before recording the performance "over a few takes."
The performance was a thrill for royal fans, but also for Tom. "Without doubt, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said of their duet.
"I thought she absolutely smashed the performance; it's not easy to just jump behind a piano with a bunch of musicians you've never played with before and record live takes to camera, but she completely nailed it."
"She's such a lovely, kind and warm-hearted person and she took the time to thank everyone personally for the opportunity to play together," he continued.
"It was a crazy pinch-yourself kind of day for me, to be in such a beautiful venue playing alongside the Duchess with my band and a string quartet. I certainly won't forget that in a hurry!"
Tom also admitted his family was floored to see him be part of something so special. "My mum had a total freak-out when she saw it on the telly," he shared.
"I know this song will resonate with a lot of people this Christmas and my heart goes out to anyone raising a glass around the table remembering those who can't be with us."
The 39-year-old Duchess of Cambridge organized the whole event, which also included performances by Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding, as a token of gratitude toward community leaders in the UK. Her own performance was kept a surprise, reportedly in part because of her nerves that she might not be able to hack it. She posted a video teasing the event the day prior.
"We've been through such a bleak time. We've seen so many challenges, we've lost our loved ones. We've seen our front-line workers under immense pressure. And, also, we've been more emotionally, and socially, distanced and isolated from each other," she said.
"But I suppose through that separation we've also realized how much we need each other and how acts of kindness and love can really bring us comfort and relief in times of distress."
