Composer gives honest review of Kate and Charlotte’s piano duet

Scottish composer Erland Cooper, who wrote the piece of music that the Princess of Wales performed with her daughter at the annual royal Christmas service, has given his verdict on the heartwarming duet

Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte needed no direction for their piano performance, as the composer of the piece of music they performed has shared his thoughts on the heartwarming duet.

The Princess of Wales and her 10-year-old daughter sat side-by-side at a grand piano for Kate’s annual Together at Christmas carol service, where they performed a moving rendition of the song Holm Sound, which was written by Scottish composer Erland Cooper. The musician said it was “such a surprise” to have the royal duo perform his piece, and an honour to be invited to Windsor Castle where the performance was recorded.

He told BBC Breakfast: “I’d had a chat with the princess earlier in the year and I knew she enjoyed playing this piece of music with family. It was a big surprise to be invited to Windsor Castle just last week and hear it performed by a pair of princesses. I didn’t need to give any direction, they were so good.”

He added: “Performing in front of a film crew and the person who wrote the music is a nerve-wracking thing for anybody, I’m sure. They played it several times and then they asked me to have a wee go as well and I gave a few pointers. But I didn’t need to. I think I was there as a cheerleader.”

He went on to describe Charlotte as “very confident”, adding: “She played it really well. She plays it so beautifully.” Cooper explained that the music was originally written for his mother – also called Charlotte – and is about motherhood, giving the Princesses performance extra poignancy.

He said: “This is a wonderful coincidence, it’s about how we see our parents in our children’s eyes, but then when you look at your mother and you look at granny, you see your children. It’s about that sort of full circle moment and it’s about motherhood.”

Kate and Charlotte’s piano duet aired on Christmas Eve during the fifth annual Together at Christmas concert, which took place in Westminster Abbey in early December. The service has become a mainstay of the royal family ’s calendar, inviting hundreds of community heroes to celebrate their efforts throughout the year.

As footage of Kate and Charlotte was shown, the Princess of Wales read a personally penned letter that was given to guests at the Abbey. 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. As the year draws to a close, I hope this season brings you moments of peace and clarity and that you too feel surrounded by the same love and care that you offer so freely. Thank you for the warmth you have given and the kindness you have shown and the quiet, constant light you bring to others. Wishing you a very happy Christmas.”