PRINCESS Charlotte looked up to her mother Kate in a heartwarming moment as they played piano side-by-side.

The royal duo delivered a festive surprise as they performed together to open the Together at Christmas carol concert.

Royal fans had their suspicions confirmed as Charlotte, 10, sat next to proud mum Kate for a special pre-recorded performance.

In a heartwarming moment, the young royal looked up towards her mother, who beamed with pride, during the piece.

Viewers of Kate’s annual festive extravaganza were left stunned by the mother and daughter bonding session.

It brought family joy to the opening of the concert, which also starred Kate Winslet and a reading by Prince William.

Footage showed Kate and Charlotte together playing ‘Holm Sound’ by Scottish composer Erland Cooper for his mother Charlotte.

Fans gushed over the touching clip, in which Kate and Charlotte also giggled together as their duet came to an end.

The Princess of Wales and her daughter enjoy playing this piece of music at home, it is understood.

Cooper’s work is inspired by ‘nature and connection’, themes the Princess of Wales has described as important to her recovery from cancer.

The opening segment came with Kate narrating her letter to guests.

Addressing viewers, she says “at its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways.”

It was filmed in the Inner Hall at Windsor Castle last week and composer Erland was present and able to give guidance between takes.

It is understood Kate wanted to do this to showcase connection and the values she spoke about in the letter given to guests at the Abbey and Community Carol Services.

Kate, 43, is an accomplished piano player and gained her Grade Three piano and Grade Five theory as a youngster.

She previously surprised royal fans as she performed during the opening number at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.

And she showcased her musical talents, playing piano alongside singer Tom Walker, in 2021 at inaugural carol concert.

Two years ago, Kate revealed her daughter had been learning to play the piano.

Chinese pianist Lang Lang chatted with Kate at the Royal Variety Performance in November 2023.

He said afterwards: “We talked about Charlotte. Her Royal Highness talked about Charlotte’s piano playing, I’m sure she’s good.

“Her Royal Highness said to me that she said to Princess Charlotte ‘Hey, look, if you practise a lot you can be like him’.

“So I’m happy to be helpful a little bit. It’s really funny, I was like, wow, I’m sure she will do well at the piano. I think she is practising.”

Reacting to a teaser clip of the duet, one royal fan said: “This is so exciting! Can’t wait for tonight’s concert.

“Maybe a mama and daughter duo?”

Another added: “Is this a Catherine and Charlotte duet? Can’t wait to watch tonight!”

“I think it’s Charlotte guys,” another excited fan posted.

Charlotte was joined by siblings George and Louis at the concert filmed earlier this month.

They each took part in the festive fun writing their names and adding it to a special tree outside.

Narrating the opening sequence, Kate said: “Thank you for joining this ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service.

“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.”

The Princess of Wales added: “Christmas is a time that reminds us how deeply our lives are woven together.

“Just as the roots of trees share strength beneath the soil, unseen but vital, so too do we.

“We are drawn by an instinctive pull towards belonging and connection.

“Even with all the rushing around and familiar traditions, there is a quieter sense of what it calls out in us.

“There is a softness to the season that reminds us of something easy to forget; that what we do matters

“Our words, our choices, and even the ways we look out for one another – they ripple outward, touching lives we may never see.

“At a time when life can sometimes feel fragmented or uncertain, the Christmas season invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another with generosity of heart, understanding and hope.

“This Carol Service offers a moment of collective togetherness, a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service, and to honour the visible and invisible bonds that unite us all.

“The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.

“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.”

Kate dazzled in a festive green at her fifth annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.

Her kids George, Charlotte and Louis – all wearing, alongside dad William, matching blue – got into the festive spirit of togetherness.

The smartly dressed trio hung loops of red paper bearing their handwritten names on a “Connection Tree”.

Trigger Point actress Vicky McClure narrated the service after Kate’s introduction.

More than 600 guests were entertained by readings and music delivered by Hollywood actors Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor and singer Katie Melua.

Kate Winslet, 50, performed a touching reading titled ‘Reflection of Love and Connection’.

The service also involved students from London’s Platinum Performing Arts.

Prince William later delivered a heartwarming passage from Luke 2:18.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night,” the royal said.

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”