Catherine, Princess of Wales, has just made a surprise musical appearance at Eurovision.
The Princess took part in a filmed opening sequence for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final today, alongside last year’s champions Kalush Orchestra and a range of UK contributors, as the UK is hosting the international competition on behalf of Ukraine. Her involvement in the performance was kept completely secret until the show aired, marking the second time the princess has shown her musical talent.
For her segment, which was filmed earlier this month in the Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, Kate sat down in front of a grand piano for a ten-second instrumental performance, which was created by Joe Price and Kojo Samuel. She honored the Ukrainian flag while wearing a cobalt blue one-shoulder dress by Jenny Packham and accessorized with a pair of silver drop earrings.
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Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joss Stone, last year’s Eurovision finalist Sam Ryder and other British musicians also joined the performance of the Kalush Orchestra’s winning track from last year’s competition, “Stefania”.
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the performance on their official Instagram account. “A #Eurovision surprise,” reads the caption. “A pleasure to join Kalush Orchestra in a special performance of last year’s winning @eurovision entry. Enjoy the show, Liverpool.”
The Princess showed her musical talent for the first time on Christmas Eve 2021, accompanying Scottish singer Tom Walker in his first-ever public piano performance for the Royal songs: Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. She wore a festive red Catherine Walker coat dress with a bow and buttons down the front as she performed at the Abbey’s Chapter House.
A royal source said at the time that the surprise performance was the Duchess’s idea, as she learned the piano as a child and took “great comfort” playing the piano throughout the pandemic, per People.
“Music was very important to the Duchess during the lockdowns,” the source said. “She also recognizes the powerful way music brings people together, especially in difficult times. For these reasons, she wanted to be a part of Tom’s performance in this way.”
Quinci LeGardye is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a black feminist lens. When she’s not writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or performing a concert in her car.