The pressure is reportedly on Kate Middleton as she is set to host the second holiday carol service in December. With her surprise performance last year, a royal correspondent believes that she has “got to top” that for this year’s concert.
Express UK reported that Richard Palmer shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent engagement with the “Royal Round-Up” podcast. It comes as he discussed the upcoming event in the material’s latest episode.
Host Pandora Forsyth is said to have asked the royal expert whether the public can “expect” to see the new Princess of Wales performing again at this year’s service. He reportedly responded that the information is scarce as “the Palace is staying tight-lipped about this at the moment.”
Palmer continued in the exchange that many have been asking how Kate Middleton would “top the piano on TV last time.” He noted, however, that “unfortunately, they haven’t answered that question yet,” as per the publication.
Even so, the royal expert reportedly stated, “The pressure is on her, isn’t it, she’s got to top that somehow.”
Kate Middleton surprised the public when she played the piano for the first royal Christmas carol service, “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas” in 2021. She accompanied Tom Walker for his performance of “For Those Who Can’t Be Here.”
Following the performance, Harper’s Bazaar noted that it was the first time the Princess of Wales shared her musical skill in public.
Meanwhile, a royal source told People at the time that it was the future Queen Consort who had the idea for the performance. It was also noted that she learned to play the musical instrument as a child, adding that she has taken “great comfort” in playing music amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The insider continued to the magazine, which published the claims in December 2021, that “music was very important to” Kate Middleton, especially "during the lockdowns.”
Moreover, she reportedly “recognizes the powerful way in which music brings people together — especially during difficult times. For these reasons, she was keen to be part of Tom's performance in this way."
Elsewhere in the report from Express UK, published Saturday, Richard Palmer is said to have recalled Zara and Mike Tindall’s attendance in the 2021 service. He then reportedly shared an insight into the potential attendees from the British Royal Family in this year’s event.
The publication quoted the royal correspondent from the exchange, saying, “I guess it will be more of the younger royals, rather than the King and Queen Consort.” Although, he noted that “details to be confirmed,” as per the outlet.
The second royal Christmas concert will take place on December 15.