The Princess of Wales opened the Eurovision Song Contest final in spectacular fashion, with a touching piano tribute to Ukraine.
Kate played piano alongside last year’s Ukrainian winners, the Kalush Orchestra, in a stunning grand finale opening sequence, presented to an estimated global audience of 160 million.
Royal fans went wild for the surprise performance, which was recorded in Windsor Castle’s Crimson Drawing Room earlier this month and has been a closely guarded palace secret.
A behind-the-scenes recording of the performance was shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Twitter account, showing Kate beaming as she prepared to take center stage.
“A pleasure to join Kalush Orchestra in a special performance of last year’s winning entry,” the post read, adding “Enjoy the show, Liverpool.”
Wearing a stunning blue Jenny Packham dress – chosen to match the color of the Ukrainian flag – Kate was seen playing a grand piano during a 10-second performance.
Kate also chose a pair of the late Queen’s earrings, in memory of the late Her Majesty who publicly supported Ukraine before her death in September.
The behind-the-scenes video of the making of the performance begins with drone footage of Windsor Castle.
Kate is then shown laughing as she prepares for her performance, before focusing on practicing her part in the opening montage of the Kalush Orchestra song Stefania.
The Princess of Wales opened the Eurovision Song Contest with a piano performance in a touching tribute to Ukraine
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won last year’s Eurovision Song Contest in which Britain’s Sam Ryder took second place.
Their win would normally have meant Ukraine would host this year’s contest, but it was moved to Liverpool in the UK due to the dispute.
In recognition of their triumph, however, a film opened the show in which the orchestra was seen performing their winning song in the heart of Kiev, at the iconic Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station.
Throughout the film, they were joined by British collaborators including the Princess of Wales, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, last year’s British entrant Sam Ryder, Mrs Banks, Ballet Black, Bolt Strings and Joss Stone.
The footage, broadcast around the world, was filmed by the BBC studios which produced last week’s Coronation concert.
Fans gushed over Kate’s beauty in the clip and described her appearance as “a wonderful surprise”.
Others called it a “nice touch” and hailed the apparent show of support for beleaguered Ukraine.
Kate stunned an estimated global audience of 160 million as she performed the piano alongside last year’s Ukrainian winners, the Kalush Orchestra
The Princess of Wales has already showcased her musical talents at the Christmas Eve Carol Service, which she hosted last year
Many will see the Princess’s involvement as a sign of Ukraine’s ongoing bond with the British Royal Family.
Kate met Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, at a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace on the eve of the coronation last week. The couple spoke with the First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden.
This is not the first public piano recital for the Princess of Wales. She performed with Tom Walker at a Christmas concert in 2021.
Speaking ahead of her first public performance, which was shown on ITV, a Palace source said playing the piano helped Kate through the lockdown. Since then, she has continued to practice.
The performance, recorded at Windsor Castle earlier this month, has been a closely guarded palace secret
Kate previously revealed that her passion for the piano is shared by Princess Charlotte taking lessons, while Prince George is learning the electric guitar.
Her decision to wear the late Queen’s earrings is a reminder of the Queen’s support for Ukraine. Her late Majesty has asked for yellow and blue flowers to be placed in Windsor Castle to show her solidarity with the country at the start of the conflict.
More recently, Prince William flew to Poland to visit Allied troops supporting the country.
The Princess’ contribution to the film involved a short instrumental piano performance, created by Joe Price and Kojo Samuel, and was recorded earlier this month in the Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
