Kate Middleton made a surprise appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday night.
The 41-year-old Princess of Wales presented a pre-recorded piano performance during the international song competition’s opening segment, which she recorded earlier this month in the Crimson Drawing Room of Windsor Castle. Middleton performed an instrumental version of the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra’s song “Stefania,” which won the contest last year.
The official account for Middleton and her husband Prince William, 40, later shared a clip of the princess’ performance on Twitter.
“A #Eurovision surprise,” the royals wrote alongside the video, adding a piano keys emoji.
CORONATION FASHION: KATE MIDDLETON HONORS PRINCESS DIANA, TWINS WITH PRINCESS CHARLOTTE
They continued, “A pleasure to join Kalush Orchestra in a special performance of last year’s winning @eurovision entry.”
“Enjoy the show, Liverpool.”
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bright blue one-shouldered chiffon Jenny Packham dress and a pair of earrings that formerly belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The color of Middleton’s gown was a nod to the Ukrainian blue and yellow flag.
The clip began with an overhead shot of Windsor Castle before the camera zoomed into the window of the Red Drawing Room and cut to Middleton sitting at a black grand piano and smiling before she started playing the piece, which was arranged by music directors Joe Price and Kojo Samuel.
Eurovision’s opening montage featured cuts to Middleton as well as several artists performing their versions of “Stefania” alongside Kalush Orchestra. The performers included Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ms. Banks, Joss Stone, Ballet Black, Bolt Strings, and 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder.
The song contest usually takes place in the home country of the previous year’s winner, but the 2023 final was held in Liverpool, U.K., due to Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Middleton learned to play piano from the age of around 10 or 11 until 13, according to her former instructor Peter Nicholls. In April 2012, he told the Evening Standard that she was “absolutely lovely, a really delightful person to teach the piano.”
In December 2021, the princess showcased her musical talent in her first public performance during the Christmas carol concert she hosted at Westminster Abbey. She accompanied singer Tom Walker on the piano as he performed his song “For Those Who Can’t Be Here.”
At the time, a source told People magazine that Middleton proposed the idea herself. The insider added that she took “great comfort” in playing the piano while quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Music was very important to the Duchess during the lockdowns,” the source said. “She also recognizes the powerful way in which music brings people together—especially during difficult times. For these reasons, she was eager to be part of Tom’s performance in this way.”
Walker praised Middleton’s performance, telling People that she “absolutely smashed it.”
He continued, “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.”
“It was a surreal 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!”
Middleton wasn’t the only member of the royal family to make a surprise appearance at Eurovision. King Charles and Queen Camilla also participated in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Two weeks ago, the couple officially opened the stage at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool and also made cameos in the film “Welcome to Liverpool,” which was screened ahead of the semifinals.
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