Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, broadcaster Katie Nicholl said we should “never underestimate” the “capacity for surprise”.
The royal expert was asked if it was likely that the Princess of Wales would give another performance following the end to her chemotherapy.
She told The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson: “I’m not sure whether she’s going to be involved in the performance at all.
“I think, if anything, certainly, she’s been very much involved behind the scenes.
“She’s taking meetings, and she’ll be involved in the whole structure of the event.
“I mean, we’ve yet to see. The capacity for surprise, never underestimate it.
“But I think it’s more just her being able to be there and, and to your point about taking, taking joy from her work.”
Brave Kate revealed her hidden talent as she overcame nerves to play the piano during her Christmas carol concert three years ago at Westminster Abbey.
Festive footage from the hour-long carol concert showed Kate behind the piano joining Tom Walker as he performed his hit ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’.
Kate’s pals said that she “recognises the powerful way in which music brings people together” and in particular “during difficult times”.
Kate’s secret stint behind the piano was kept under wraps before the show – until the palace released a four-second teaser prior to it airing.
We also saw her playing the piano in 2023 during the opening of the Eurovision Grand Final.
Kate’s triumphant return
Princess Kate has had a tough year following her cancer diagnosis in March, but revealed in September that she has finished her chemotherapy treatment.
In a heartwarming video, Kate said she is “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
But she said she was “looking forward” to being back at work and taking on a few more public engagements in the coming months.
The mum-of-three joined the royal family on Remembrance Sunday and it has been confirmed she is well enough to host her annual carol concert this December.
Katie added: “I feel that the year ends on a note of hope and optimism for her, and I think that’s hugely, hugely important.
“That she’s able to not just host, but she’s going to attend this event. She’s been working on it behind the scenes.
I feel that the year ends on a note of hope and optimism for her [Princess Kate], and I think that’s hugely, hugely important
Katie Nicholl
“I’m predicting a big family turnout. I think the Middletons will be there. I think the children will be there.
“You know, this is, this is Catherine’s baby. This is very much her thing.
“She’s done this for the past four years. She loves it. She’s passionate about it. She’s going to have a great turnout of celebrities. It’s going to be wonderful music.
“The Abbey is going to be beautifully dressed for Christmas, and she looks forward to it, as do the children.
“So I think it’s just a way of ending what has clearly been a very turbulent and difficult year on a high.”
William revealed Kate aims to step up her royal engagements in 2025.
He said: “I think hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so, we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up.”
Kate’s previous piano moment
Sources close to Kate revealed her 2021 Christmas performance was pre-recorded in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, the day before the service.
And the idea for the performance was Kate’s after she watched him sing earlier that year.
A royal source said: “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 approached to play at the service, and his Christmas song, ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’, which has such pertinence for so many this year, also struck a chord with the Duchess who came up with the idea of accompanying Tom on the piano.
“Music was very important to the Duchess during the lockdowns and playing the piano brought great comfort to her.
“She also recognises the powerful way in which music brings people together – especially during difficult times.”
Kate’s piano skills
Piano teacher Daniel Nicholls taught Kate to play the piano between the ages of 11 and 13.
But in 2021, he said: “I don’t think she was ever going to be a concert pianist.”
The Abbey is going to be beautifully dressed for Christmas, and she [Princess Kate] looks forward to it [her concert], as do the children. I think it’s just a way of ending what has clearly been a very turbulent and difficult year on a high
Katie Nicholl
Musical Kate swapped piano for playing the flute and singing in her teenage years.
Speaking after the recording, performer Tom Walker said: “It was truly an honour playing alongside The Duchess for Royal Carols: Together at Christmas.
“Without doubt, it was a once in a lifetime experience. 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.”
