Kate Middleton teases exciting mystery guest in exciting carol concert surprise

Later tonight, the Princess of Wales’s annual Together At Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV – and Kate has dropped a hint about a huge surprise during the show

The Princess of Wales is expected to be joined by a mystery guest for an exciting collaboration as part of her Together at Christmas carol concert. Kensington Palace this morning teased an image of a piano on social media and later a clip of two hands together on the keys with the caption ‘A special duet’ ahead of the broadcast on television tonight.

The clip has led to mounting speculation that the future queen will once again be playing the piano at her annual concert, recorded earlier this month from Westminster Abbey. The Princess of Wales first demonstrated her musical talents on Christmas Eve in 2021, where she accompanied Tom Walker on the piano as he performed his song ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’ during the programme.

The artist has since described his and the royal’s duet as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” More than 1,600 attendees, including the Royal Family, joined the Princess of Wales for her fifth annual service, to celebrate the festive season. In the order of service for the event, the princess wrote a personal message to the nation, urging everyone to come together “with generosity of heart, understanding and hope” amid testing times.

The future queen spoke of the importance of checking in on loved ones and friends “at a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain”. As part of this year’s themes of “love, compassion and connection”, the service also includes readings from the Prince of Wales and award winning actor Kate Winslett.

The princess, who is continuing her recovery from cancer treatment last year, has previously spoken of the power of immersing herself in nature as part of her healing process. In her message, Kate also shared her vision of community and the festive season being intertwined “just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital”.

In the broadcast, on ITV1 tonight at 7.25pm, the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir also sing of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances from actor Hannah Waddingham, British singers Katie Melua, Dan Smith, and Griff, as well as Cornish folk music group, Fisherman’s Friends.

Guests also enjoy a special performance by young performers from Platinum Performing Arts, an organisation based in the heart of the community in Edmonton, North London. British actress Vicky McClure narrates the service after the Princess of Wales’s introduction.

The programme will also feature two community films, the first focused on Heather Johnstone, a community artist from Fleetwood, Lancashire, who runs a Christmas Dinner for anyone in the community who may be alone at Christmas.

The second features students from Platinum Performing Arts, who performed in Westminster Abbey, based in Edmonton, North London, which provides a space for young people to embrace their creativity and make meaningful connections with one another.

Both Heather and Platinum Performing Arts are seen in the footage receiving letters from the Princess inviting them to the service. The princess also spoke of how the festive season can bring families, friends and communities together. In her message she said: “At its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways.

“Not in sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence. These simple acts of care might seem small, but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong.

“Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together. Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we. We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection.”

Kate also urged people to slow down amid the rush of Christmas, because our words and actions matter to others. She said: “Even with all the rushing around and familiar traditions, there is a quieter sense of what it calls out in us. There is a softness to the season that reminds us of something easy to forget; that what we do matters. Our words, our choices, and even the ways we look out for one another – they ripple outward, touching lives we may never see.

“At a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain, the Christmas season invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another with generosity of heart, understanding and hope.

“This Carol Service offers a moment of collective togetherness, a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service, and to honour the visible and invisible bonds that unite us all. The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.”