Tonight, millions of Britons were treated to a festive treat by the Duchess Of Cambridge. She played the piano with Tom Walker and performed a touching song at Westminster Abbey.
Kate has been tickling the ivories ever since she was little. She recorded the song in the Chapter House of the Abbey with Walker, just one day before the community carol service, which took place on December 8. It was then shown on ITV tonight.
After the Duchess met Walker in October and heard him perform at an event for charity, she had the idea to play his Christmas song ‘For those Who Can’t be Here’ with them.
Walker sang ‘Leave a Light On,’ a song about addiction at the event of The Forward Trust in London.
The 30-year-old male singer was approached by Kate to perform for the Christmas carol service. Kate, 39, had come up with the idea to accompany him on the piano, after the music provided ‘great comfort’ during lockdowns.
Kate is the pianist, and Tom Walker sings “For Those Who Can Not Be Here”, his Christmas song. It aired on ITV at Christmas Eve.
Walker was kind enough to praise Kate (pictured on Friday playing the piano at Friday’s ITV show) as an “amazing musician”. She also said that even though she was nervous about performing in a studio for the first time, she soon got away from it and put a lot of effort into getting it right.
Kate (seen from far left) and Tom Walker(centre) presented an emotionally charged performance at Westminster Abbey by candlelight.
Walker composed the song to remember those who couldn’t be there this Christmas. Walker wanted to encourage people to raise a glass to remind others of the loss of family members and friends to whom they are grieving.
Walker described the Duchess of Cambridge as an ‘incredibly kind, loving, and warm-hearted individual’. Walker also praised the Duchess for her ‘absolutely smashing’ the performance and added that it was a day to ‘crazy pinch yourself’.
He also spoke highly of Kate as an ‘amazing singer’, and noted that she had been nervous the first time they rehearsed together in a recording studio. However, she got away from it and “invested lots of energy and time to get it right”.
Walker offered the backing tracks to Walker to help him practice before the show. Walker said he was amazed at her performance.
He explained that his mother was having a “total freakout” and said, “It truly was an honour to play alongside the Duchess of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. It was an unforgettable experience that you will never forget.
“She was absolutely amazing. I don’t think it is easy to simply jump behind a keyboard with several musicians that you have never met before, and then record your live take to the camera. She did it flawlessly.
“She’s a warm, loving and generous person.
Prince William spoke as well during the service. He took to the lectern and read from Luke 2, 1-7.
William and Kate wore black masks when they entered Westminster Abbey. Princess Eugenie was spotted in the row behind them.
The Duke and Duchess were recorded talking with clergymen and other attendees at the event.
Leona Lewis performed O Holy Night with a breathtaking performance, while wearing a sparkling dark green dress.
Prince William and Kate look at one another at “Royal Carols Together at Christmas” at Westminster Abbey, December 8.
Tom Walker sings the Christmas song ‘For those Who Can’t be Here’ during the ‘Royal Carols: Together At Christmas’ service
Tom Walker performs his song “For Those Who Are Not Here” (left), and light a candle (right), at the Carol Service on December 8.
“It was crazy to feel like you had to pinch yourself, being in such beautiful venues playing with The Duchess along with my band and a string trio.
“I won’t forget it in a hurry. It was a complete freakout for my mum when it came on TV.
“I know that this song will resonate strongly with many people this Christmas. My heart goes out and to everyone who lifts a glass at the table, remembering those who cannot be there.”
As a token of appreciation to those who helped their communities through the pandemic, Kate hosted the Royal Carols: Together At Christm event.
Sources close to the royals said that the Duchess was responsible for the performance. She was impressed by Tom when she met him and heard him play Leave a Light On – a song about the struggles of those experiencing addiction, an issue which as you know, she is passionate about – at a Forward Trust event in October.
He was invited to the service and his Christmas song “For Those Who Couldn’t Be Here”, which is so relevant for many, struck a chord.
“She’s been playing the piano since childhood.
The Duchess was an avid music lover during lockdowns. Playing the piano gave her great joy.
‘She also recognises the powerful way in which music brings people together – especially during difficult times. She wanted to take part in Tom’s performances for these reasons.
She will spend this weekend at Anmer Hall in Norfolk with Prince William, Prince George and their children Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince George.
Walker spoke to MailOnline earlier today, saying that he had just returning home to his family for Christmas with his fiancée Annie Watson-Foulds, with whom he has been quarantining with for nine days because she contracted Covid-19.
He said he tested himself daily and did not catch the virus from her, and after she had her second negative test in consecutive days yesterday, it meant they could travel in time to be with family on Christmas Day – and Walker admitted: ‘I’m so happy to be home with my family.’
He answered the question about how the performance of Kate happened.
“She then reached out to me and my staff and asked if we would be willing to perform this live during the Christmas carol service. But I didn’t say no, because I actually wrote a Christmas song for this service that was more appropriate.
“However, she loved the song so much that they asked if we could perform it. The next day, the team reached out to her and informed them that she wanted to play the piano for the song.
“I did not know that she could play piano. It was crazy to think that I would do this, but it is absolutely true. The rehearsal was arranged by us together. It was extremely secretive, and very secret. The studio did not know.
At the December 8th service, Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding talk with Leona Lewis and Tom Walker.
On December 8, the Duke and Duchess Of Cambridge took part in “Royal Carols Together at Christmas” at Westminster Abbey.
William and Kate met Tony Hudgell (7 years old), who was suffering life-altering injuries after he suffered horrific abuse at the hands of his parents Jody Simpson (and Tony Smith) in 2014. Both were found guilty by child cruelty in 2018, and they are currently serving a 10 year sentence. Tony was left with both of his legs paralysed in 2017 after sustaining injuries as an infant.
Before the carol service at Westminster Abbey, December 8, The Duke of Cambridge spoke to Kate Garraway
Kensington Palace published these photos earlier this month of Kate decorating a Christmas Tree at Westminster Abbey.
While decorating the Christmas tree in Westminster Abbey, London earlier this month, The Duchess Of Cambridge smiles
Participation of the Duke and Duchess and Countess Of Wessex in the Westminster Abbey Service
(Front from left) Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall, Duke and Duchess, of Cambridge. Beatrice and Eugenie, Princesses of Beatrice and Eugenie are standing behind William and Kate. Pippa Matthews (and James Middleton) can also be seen.
As they participate in the London Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, The Duke and Duchess Of Cambridge are smiling
In a trailer for the ITV service ‘Royal Carols Together At Christmas,’ The Duchess Of Cambridge smiles
Sophie, Countess, of Wessex with Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall take part in ‘Royal Carols, Together At Christmas’.
For the Christmas Service on December 8, Princess Beatrice (with Edoardo Maglio) at Westminster Abbey, London.
“We were sitting opposite each other in the Covid room, practicing and rehearsing. She had rehearsed it nine times. By the time it was over, she knew it. Then she left for a while to practise it. Finally, it was recorded.
A heartbreaking tale of the boy who charmed Kate, William and others at their carol service. Tony Hudgell was 7, who lost both his legs from abuse by his parents. His adoptive family managed to get justice for him.
A young amputee charmed Kate Middleton and Prince William as they made time during their festive carol concert earlier this month to ‘spend ages’ chatting with Tony Hudgell, 7, and his mother.
Tony was rushed to hospital with life changing injuries in 2014 when he was 41-days-old, following horrific abuse from his parents, Jody Simpson and Tony Smith. They were each sentenced to a ten year prison term after being found guilty of child cruelty.
Tony lost both his legs as infants. He had to have them amputated in 2017. Tony is learning how to walk with prosthetic legs.
Tony Hudgell is seven years old and meets the Duke & Duchess Of Cambridge on the Westminster Abbey concert December 8.
After his incredibly difficult start in life, Tony was adopted by Paula and Mark Hudgell of West Malling, Kent, who have successfully campaigned for longer sentences for anyone who seriously harms a child, and are now calling for a register of abusers in the wake of the murder of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.
While he was meeting Kate and William, his proud parents were there with him. He later wrote: “Tony does not realize how significant or enormous a role he plays in this.” The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge were truly incredible with him. We talked for hours with them. This was truly a magical evening.
Tony suffered eight broken legs from the brutal abuse that he received as an infant.
This sweet photo shows William and Kate sitting down at Tony’s level, while Paula watched.
The invite to the concert came after Kate was impressed by Tony’s charity efforts in 2020, when he raised more than £1.5 million for Evelina London Children’s Hospital, of which she is an official patron.
‘And I was really impressed because it’s one thing playing along with me in a studio, just the two of us, but then to jump straight in to playing with a live string quartet and a pianist and two backing singers, all of which she’d never met before, and then doing live takes in front of the camera – that’s a whole other jump from jamming.
“She did it perfectly and was so good at maintaining time. It was amazing to see her perform and it was incredible what an extraordinary day she had.
Walker said that he was at Kate’s previous events at charity events that were supported by the royals, so he is ‘kind of in their space & their domain’.
But, he said, “With music, we’re sort of on equal terms because you’ve not played with other musicians in the last ten year, then jumping right into this. Then, of course, I do the carol service.
‘So I think we were both really nervous that it wasn’t going to go quite to plan and one of us would let down the other person or whatever, but she was absolutely fabulous – she smashed it.
“What a kind, generous, and warm-hearted person! She’s very chilled, very nice and she was so kind to everybody who was there – personally introduced herself to the whole band. It was wonderful. It was a significant moment in my professional life.
Walker answered a question about the song by saying, “Well very unfortunately in the first Pandemic we lost our grandfather. Because we couldn’t stand up to him, couldn’t be at his side and didn’t get to say goodbye, it was extremely difficult.
“It was difficult for all of my family, but especially for me mum as it was her father. The whole idea of this song is that every year at the dinner table, my grandmother raises a glass to say “This is for those who couldn’t be there this year. Let’s take some time to remember them.”
‘And I was just thinking how that moment was going be for mum, for the very first dinner at Christmas without dad. He came every year without fail. That’s the essence of this song.
Also, he was asked if Kate spoke about Prince Philip. This is because the Queen will be spending Christmas alone after her husband’s death at 99.
Walker explained that the Duchess wasn’t saying what she meant. She said she loved the lyrics – but she didn’t lead onto it being about that, but I think just everybody has lost somebody in their lives at some point and Christmas is the time to remember people who aren’t around who you used to have really fond memories of and still do, but you can’t reminisce with them in person. That’s probably why I believe she was able to connect with the lyrics.
When asked about Kate’s personality, he said: “She was so kind. She was nervous at the first rehearsal.
It was very different than hers and she tried to replicate that feeling. You’re just so lovely. After the initial five- to ten minute period, I became very anxious but was able to calm down.
Walker stated that they had spent approximately 90 minutes together, and they ran the song nine times. He added, “Socially distant of course, it was important to make sure the measure were followed wherever they could.”
He said, “And we just practiced it until she was like: Right, I think that I have it now. Then I thought, “Well, look! I’ll tell you what. We’ll send you the backing track. It’s the same song, but with a piano and click tracks. You can then just follow along and see how it goes.”
“When she showed up to the performance, it was obvious that she had been practicing. I was amazed at her improvement. She really invested a lot of time and energy into getting it right and making sure that it was good, so I was really impressed – great musician.’
Walker joked that she was working on an album and asked Walker if it had been mentioned. She didn’t say anything about it, but she did mention that I had never expected to get the chance to perform with members of the Royal Family. “I’ll open up to her soon!”
Kensington Palace released an Instagram teaser video today showing Kate sitting down at a piano and starting to play. However, the clip wasn’t sound-proofed.
Singer Leona Lewis performs during the Christmas carol service held at Westminster Abbey in London on December 8
Leona Lewis performs at the Christmas Carol Service held at Westminster Abbey, London on December 8.
Mila Sneddon (6 years old) standing by the crib at ‘Royal Carols- Together At Christmas’, Westminster Abbey, December 8,
Kate Garraway reads during “Royal Carols Together At Christmas” at Westminster Abbey
The Westminster Abbey Choir Choir’s Choristers take part in the ‘Royal Carols, Together At Christmas’ event on December 8.
Kim Daybell is a junior physician and paralympian who gives a reading in the royal carols ceremony at Westminster Abbey
When she left the Together At Christmas carol service on December 8, the Countesss from Wessex met a reindeer
Mila Sneddon (6 years old) watches Lynda light a candle in the crib at Westminster Abbey’s service.
On December 8, members of the congregation lit a candle near the crib in ‘Royal Carols, Together at Christmas’
One chorister participating in the ‘Royal Carols, Together At Christmas’ event held at Westminster Abbey on Sunday December 8.
The Queen’s Piper, played by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the “Royal Carols Together At Christmas” service
Choir members of the Westminster Abbey Choir take part in “Royal Carols Together at Christmas” on December 8.
Young member of the congregation participating in “Royal Carols Together At Christmas” at Westminster Abbey
Poet Lemn sissay performs ‘To The Day,’ a poem he wrote for the Westminster Abbey carol services on December 8,
On December 8, members of the congregation took part in “Royal Carols Together at Christmas” at Westminster Abbey.
The text reads: “Tonight” alongside the musical note and piano emojis. @ITV. 7:30pm. #TogetherAtChristmas.’
Ellie Goulding is stunning in a gorgeous embellished satin gown with feathered cape before her service performance
She will be performing on the Royal Carols Together At Christmas.
And Ellie Goulding, 34, looked stunning in a white gown ahead of the Westminster Abbey concert, which will be broadcast tonight on ITV.
Goulding was dressed in a full length satin gown with sheer sleeves and silver embellishments that extended to her waist.
llieGoulding (34), stuns in a satin-embellished gown and feathered cape before her concert performance
She added a dramatic feather trimmed cape with structured shoulders that created a small train behind her.
She wore her bright, blonde hair loosely because she chose a basic makeup palette and a pink lipstick for the performance.
Taking to Instagram, the singer penned: ‘Honoured to perform for the Duke & Duchess, one of my favourite songs for Christmas.’
Kate received her grades three and five in piano, and was taught theory by Daniel Nicholls up to the age of 13. However, she has never performed at any major public event like this.
Mrs Nicholls taught her the piano to the Duchess along with her mother Carole and sister Pippa.
Mr Nicholls stated that Kate came to lessons from the age of 10 to 11, and then she went on to take her classes at 13 to 1995.
“She was amazing, an absolutely delightful teacher of the piano.
“I taught all the family, except Mike, Carole, Pippa, and James. They were simply lovely, just normal piano students.
At the time, he added: “I don’t believe anyone would suggest she was going to become a concert pianist. But she was good at that, and she did what was asked of her.”
Kate learned piano and later took up flute.
Her sister Pippa was also part of Tootie-Flooties, a senior flute ensemble.
Kate gave a recording introduction to the service and paid tribute to those who were able to serve their community during this ‘bleak’ time of the pandemic.
Kate stated, “We want to thank all the amazing people who support their communities.”
“We also wanted recognition of those who have struggled perhaps less readily.
The Duchess stated that the country was going through’so bleak a time’. She had also faced’many difficulties’ including the loss and grief of close family members. Frontline workers have been subject to ‘immense’ pressure.
The author said that although people have been more emotionally, socially distant and isolated than before, it had made people realize how much they needed each other and what kindness was important.
Kate and William were present at the service, as well as those they had seen during their engagements.
Members of the Armed Forces involved in Operation Pitting, which involved British Nationals as well as eligible Afghans leaving Afghanistan were also present.
Other attendees included young faith leaders, carers and people who were more isolated or vulnerable during the pandemic.
This service features music by the Westminster Abbey Choir, as well as singers Leona Lewis (vocalist) and Ellie Goulding (vocalist).
Read aloud: The Duke of Cambridge (British Paralympian, junior doctor Kim Daybell), actor Tom Felton, Kate Garraway and Kate Garraway.
A performance of To The Day was performed as well, which was a specially written piece by Lemn Sissay (poet and writer).
Photograph of the Duke and Duchess arriving to Westminster Abbey, December 8, 2018.
OCTOBER — From left, the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge meet TV presenters Ant McPartlin (left) and Declan Donnelly (right), at the London launch of Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign. This was held at BAFTA London on October 19, 2021. It was at this event that Kate met Walker before he was later approached to take part in the Westminster Abbey service
The BBC Studios Events Productions developed the carol service, but it was broadcast by ITV.
According to reports, William and Kate dropped the BBC from their Christmas special following the series The Princes and the Press. This was in response to criticisms by the Queen and Prince Charles, as well as the Duke and Duchess, for lending credibility for ‘overblown and unverified claims’ regarding the Royal Family.
Kate and William were joined in the service by several other royals including Sophie, Countess Of Wessex Princess Beatrice with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Princess Eugene, Zara Tindall and Zara.
Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton were there as well as Pippa and James Middleton.
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas airs on ITV starting at 7.30pm tonight. It will also be available online on the ITV Hub