Catherine, Princess of Wales, just made a surprise musical appearance at Eurovision.
The princess took part in an opening sequence filmed for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final today, appearing alongside last year’s champions, Kalush Orchestra, and a range of British contributors, as the U.K. hosts the international competition on behalf of Ukraine. Her involvement in the performance was kept completely secret until the broadcast aired, marking the second time that the princess has shown her musical talent.
For her segment, which was filmed earlier this month in the Crimson Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, Kate sat at 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-shouldered gown by Jenny Packham, and accessorized with a pair of silver pendant earrings.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joss Stone, last year’s Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder, and other British musicians also joined the performance of Kalush Orchestra’s winning track from last year’s contest, “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 her first-ever public piano performance for the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. She wore a festive red Catherine Walker coat dress adorned 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” in playing 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 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.”
Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.