TV fans settled down to watch Catherine, the Princess of Wales, preside over the annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas which was pre recorded at Westminster Abbey and broadcast on Christmas Eve
ITV viewers appeared less than impressed on Christmas Eve as many complained about the same thing while watching Royal Carols: Together at Christmas. The annual event, broadcast from Westminster Abbey, saw Catherine, Princess of Wales, hosting a festive concert of carols.
Supported by other members of the Royal Family, the 43-year-old Princess shone as she oversaw proceedings – and drew additional applause when she duetted with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, 10, during a particularly charming moment. But not all of the broadcast was so enchanting, according to many tuning in from home.
Over the course of the hour long show, singers Katie Melua and Dan Smith took to the spotlight to belt out updated renditions of classic Christmas songs – including Bing Crosby’s 1954 song White Christmas. But rather than soar, the offerings landed with a sour note for many that were hoping to see something a little more traditional.
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Social media was flooded with comments from viewers who were left less than impressed by the singers. One blasted on X: “Just what we need. Katie Melua mangling White Christmas. How about we don’t rewrite Irving Berlin’s gorgeous music.”
And Dan, lead singer of the band Bastille, didn’t fare much better when he belted out a version of O Holy Night, which caused an unholy uproar among some fans. One raged online: “This guy is massacring my favourite Carol. This version of O Holy Night is dreadful.” While another stingingly added: “Is this a Carol service for the deaf?”
However, many viewers were moved to tears when Princesses Kate and Charlotte teamed up to play piano together during a touching segment. The mother and daughter duo smiled together as they played Holm Sound, a 2020 piece of music by Erland Cooper.
Opening the concert, Catherine and Charlotte took to the piano together for the song. As a voiceover from the Princess spoke about the meaning of Christmas, a pre-recorded duet with her daughter played.
Viewers took to social media to remark how moving they found the moment, with one writing: “Aaaw, a mother daughter duet from the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte. How lovely.” And another typed: “What a gorgeous opening, well spoken and incredibly thoughtful. 1st speech I’ve wanted to listen to this festive season. Found myself quite tearful.”
A third typed: “The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte! So beautiful.” While a further viewer added: “Princess Charlotte and our beautiful Princess of Wales playing piano together. What a beautiful vision and spoken words – Together at Christmas. Wow.”
The Royal Family teased Kate and Charlotte’s musical moment before the concert. They posted a teaser of Kate on the piano to Instagram with the caption: “A special duet…” Fans were excited, and many remembered when the princess accompanied Tom Walker on the piano in 2021.
The Princess has been playing the piano since she was a child. Her second public performance came in 2023 when she appeared in a segment of the Eurovision Song Contest’s opening sequence. She has passed on her love of the piano to her daughter.
During the concert, fans also pointed out how lovely it was to see the whole of Kate and Prince William’s family together. “Beautiful images of the Prince & Princess of Wales & their three gorgeous children. What a wonderful example of family unity & love.”
William and Kate have two sons, as well as Charlotte. George is their eldest, and Louis is their youngest. The younger son is known for his tendency to steal the show at big events, with his outgoing and often silly nature.
In 2023, Louis made many smile as he provided some hilarity to the service. During one song, he leaned over and blew out his sister’s candle. Charlotte was left giggling at her brother’s behaviour, as were many fans.
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