The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, and her daughter Princess Charlotte stunned audiences with their flawless piano duet during Kate’s Christmas carol concert, performing the evocative piece Holm Sound without needing any direction. This heartfelt performance was broadcast on ITV1’s Together At Christmas concert on Christmas Eve.
Scottish composer Erland Cooper, who crafted Holm Sound, described his reaction to learning that the mother and daughter would perform his work: “It was such a surprise to be invited to Windsor Castle and hear it played by a pair of princesses.” Cooper revealed he had a conversation with Kate earlier in the year and knew the piece was a family favorite.
“I didn’t need to give any direction during the performance; they were already so good,” Cooper told BBC Breakfast. He acknowledged the nerves of playing in front of a film crew and the composer himself but noted their confidence. “Princess Charlotte was very confident and played beautifully,” he added.
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During the recording, Kate played the piano part with her left hand, while Charlotte took on the right-hand melody. The scene was filmed inside Windsor Castle’s Inner Hall. Cooper shared that Holm Sound was originally composed in tribute to his own mother, Charlotte, and touches on themes of motherhood and the cycle of family love.
“This piece reflects how we see our parents in our children’s eyes, and how, looking at our mothers and grandmothers, we see our children – a full circle moment about motherhood,” Cooper explained.
The duet delighted viewers, who also saw footage of the royal family engaging in festive traditions, including children decorating a “Connection Tree” outside Westminster Abbey. Kate’s message during the event spoke to the importance of connection during the holiday season.
In addition to the piano duet, the concert featured readings and reflections, with Chiwetel Ejiofor reciting the classic poem “A Visit From St Nicholas,” and actress Kate Winslet offering a heartfelt message about love’s power during Christmas.
Among those attending the event were members of the Middleton family and other royals, underscoring the warm, intimate atmosphere of this annual celebration.