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Duchess of Cambridge Displays Pianist Skills in Special Christmas Broadcast
Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who is already renowned for her photography skills, has now showcased yet another artistic talent during a heartfelt Christmas broadcast.
The special TV program, titled “Royal Carols, Together at Christmas,” featured musical performances by some of Britain’s beloved stars, including the Duchess herself.
This exceptional production was recorded at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, serving as a tribute to the tireless efforts of individuals and groups throughout the pandemic.
Stepping forward for her first public performance, Katherine joined forces with singer-songwriter Tom Walker, impressing everyone with her piano skills.
According to the Mirror, the duo secretly rehearsed the song together just once in London before recording the performance in just a couple of takes.
The end result was truly delightful.
Walker, famous for his hit song “Leave the Light On,” opened up about his experience working with the Duchess behind the scenes.
He revealed that Katherine approached him to perform at the service after they met at a charity event.
Eventually, they decided to perform Walker’s previously unheard Christmas song, “For Those Who Can’t Be Here.”
During the first rehearsal, Mr. Walker noticed Katherine’s nerves, as she hadn’t played with another musician in a long time.
They sat on opposite sides of the room, practicing the song around nine times, and to his surprise, she nailed it.
Describing her, he said, “She was just so nice.
I think the first rehearsal we did, she was quite nervous because she hadn’t played with another musician in a very long time.
She’s got a piano at home, but the one that we’d rented in for the day was going to be the same one we were using for the actual service.
It was completely different to hers, so she was trying to get the feel for that.
She’s just lovely, really chilled out, very nice, seems really approachable and just really lovely.”
Mr. Walker shared that Katherine initially contacted him after hearing him perform his song “Leave the Light On” at a charity event.
She expressed interest in having him perform live at the carol service and even mentioned that she had written a Christmas song that no one had heard yet.
Upon listening to it, the Duchess loved the song and requested if Mr. Walker could perform it.
However, a week later, her team got in touch again, expressing her desire to play the piano part of the song herself.
Mr. Walker was astonished since he had no idea she played the piano.
They arranged a secret rehearsal, keeping it under wraps from the studio as well.
After practicing the song around nine times, the Duchess mastered it, impressing Mr. Walker.
She then spent a few more days perfecting the piece before the recording took place.
Mr. Walker commended her ability to keep time, especially since she had to start the song and lead the performance with a live string quartet, a pianist, and two backing singers whom she had never met before.
He described the experience as amazing and crazy, stating, “She absolutely nailed it, and I was so surprised at how great she was at keeping time because she had to start the song off and lead it.
Amazing musician, and what an amazing day!”
According to OK Magazine, Catherine’s musical talent on the piano is finally on display.
Despite being told in the past that she wouldn’t become a concert pianist, she proved her former teacher wrong.
Catherine achieved grade three in piano and grade five in music theory, receiving lessons from Daniel Nichols starting at the age of 11.
Since teaching Catherine, Nichols has been in high demand, sharing, “It’s bizarre, but it’s fun.
There are a lot of telephone calls and camera crews.”
He described her as a pleasant and normal student.
In a recorded introduction to the Christmas Eve service, the Duchess expressed her gratitude to the inspirational individuals who have supported their communities during these challenging times.
She also acknowledged those who have faced struggles and may have been less visible.
Recognizing the country’s hardships, including the loss of loved ones and the immense pressure on frontline workers, the Duchess emphasized the importance of coming together during such a bleak time.
The service was attended by individuals whom Catherine and William had spent time with during recent engagements, as well as members of the armed forces involved in Operation Pitting, which aimed to evacuate British nationals and eligible Afghans from Afghanistan.
Additionally, young carers, faith leaders, and those who may have been more vulnerable or isolated during the pandemic were present.
In conclusion, the Duchess of Cambridge’s piano skills took center stage in a touching Christmas broadcast.
Her collaboration with Tom Walker showcased her musical talent and dedication.
Despite initial nerves, she mastered the performance with grace and impressed everyone involved.
This unexpected display of her piano skills adds yet another dimension to her already impressive repertoire of talents.