Princess Catherine's Memorable Surprise Piano Performance at Eurovision 2023
In a moment that delighted millions worldwide, Catherine, Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton), made a stunning surprise appearance during the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 13, 2023. Filmed in the opulent Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, she delivered a captivating solo instrumental piano performance as part of the opening sequence—a creative reimagining of “Stefania,” the winning entry from Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra in 2022.
The performance was pre-recorded earlier that month and kept entirely secret until broadcast, adding to the thrill for viewers tuning into the event hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. The Princess played a specially arranged piece by composers Joe Price and Kojo Samuel, blending seamlessly with contributions from Kalush Orchestra (performing from Kyiv) and other British artists including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sam Ryder, Joss Stone, Ms Banks, and Bolt Strings.
Dressed in a striking one-shoulder royal blue Jenny Packham gown—a subtle nod to the colors of the Ukrainian flag—the Princess exuded elegance and poise. She accessorized with pearl earrings once belonging to Queen Elizabeth II, adding a touching royal heritage element. Seated at King Charles's grand Steinway piano, she smiled warmly before launching into the evocative melody, her fingers moving fluidly across the keys in close-up shots that highlighted her skill and composure.
The segment symbolized unity and support for Ukraine, with the UK stepping in as host. Kensington Palace shared behind-the-scenes photos and a clip on social media, captioning it: “A #Eurovision surprise 🎹 A pleasure to join Kalush Orchestra in a special performance of last year’s winning @eurovision entry. Enjoy the show, Liverpool.” The post went viral, amassing millions of views and praise.
This marked the Princess's second public piano showcase. Her first came in December 2021 at her “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas” service, where she accompanied Tom Walker on “For Those Who Can't Be Here.” Trained from childhood, she holds Grade 3 piano and Grade 5 theory, and rediscovered the instrument for comfort during the pandemic.
Fans and media hailed the cameo as “stunning” and “class act,” with reactions flooding social media: “Kate Middleton playing the piano has made my night!” and “She's so talented!” Some were shocked mid-broadcast, tweeting mid-show discoveries. The performance resonated deeply, blending royal grace with global solidarity.
No new Eurovision piano appearances have occurred since 2023—as of early 2026, her most recent musical moment was a heartwarming 2025 Christmas duet with daughter Princess Charlotte. Yet the 2023 solo remains a standout, often recirculated for its surprise factor and artistry.
The Princess continues to impress with hidden talents, proving there's more to her than meets the eye—one elegant note at a time.
