Kensington Palace publishes behind-the-scenes video of Princess Kate opening Eurovision Song Contest

The Princess of Wales opened the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in a spectacular way with a moving piano tribute to Ukraine.

Kate played the piano alongside last year’s Ukrainian winners, the Kalush Orchestra, in a stunning opening sequence for the grand finale, which was screened in front of an estimated global audience of 160 million.

Royal fans went wild for the surprise performance, which was recorded earlier this month in the Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle and has been a closely guarded palace secret.

A behind-the-scenes recording of the performance was shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s Twitter account, which showed Kate beaming as she prepared to take center stage.

“Delighted to be performing a special performance of last year’s winning entry with Kalush Orchestra,” the post read, adding: “Enjoy the show, Liverpool.”

Dressed in a gorgeous blue Jenny Packham dress – chosen to match the color of the Ukrainian flag – Kate was spotted playing a grand piano for a 10-second performance.

Kate also chose a pair of earrings from the late Queen, in memory of Her Majesty’s late support for Ukraine before her death in September.

The behind-the-scenes video of the making of the performance begins with drone footage of Windsor Castle.

Kate is then shown smiling as she prepares for her performance, before turning her attention to practicing her part in the opening montage of the Kalush Orchestra song, Stefania.

The Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest last year, in which the British Sam Ryder came second.

Their win would normally have meant Ukraine would host this year’s match, but it was moved to Liverpool in the UK due to the conflict.

However, in recognition of their triumph, a film opened the show with the orchestra performing their winning song in the heart of Kiev at the iconic Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station.

Throughout the film, they were joined by British collaborators, including the Princess of Wales, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, last year’s British newcomer Sam Ryder, Mrs Banks, Ballet Black, Bolt Strings and Joss Stone.

The sequence, which was broadcast around the world, was filmed by BBC Studios, who produced last week’s Coronation Concert.

Fans gushed about Kate’s beauty in the clip, describing her look as “an amazing surprise.”

Others called it a “nice gesture” and applauded the apparent show of support for embattled Ukraine.

Kate wowed an estimated global audience of 160 million as she played piano alongside last year’s Ukrainian winners, the Kalush Orchestra

The Princess of Wales previously showcased her musical talents at the Christmas Eve Carol Service she hosted last year

Many will view the princess’ involvement as a sign of Ukraine’s continued bond with the British royal family.

Kate met Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, last week at a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace on the eve of the coronation. The pair spoke with US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

It is not the first public piano recital for the Princess of Wales. She performed with Tom Walker at a Christmas concert in 2021.

Ahead of her first public appearance, broadcast on ITV, a palace source said playing the piano helped Kate through the lockdown. She has continued to practice ever since.

The performance, recorded at Windsor Castle earlier this month, is a closely guarded palace secret

Kate has previously revealed that her passion for piano is shared by Princess Charlotte taking lessons, while Prince George is learning how to play the electric guitar.

Her decision to wear the late Queen’s earrings is a reminder of the Queen’s support for Ukraine. The late Her Majesty requested that yellow and blue flowers be placed in Windsor Castle as a show of solidarity with the country at the start of the conflict.

More recently, Prince William flew to Poland to visit Allied troops supporting the country.

The princess’s contribution to the film included a short, instrumental piano performance, created by Joe Price and Kojo Samuel, and recorded earlier this month in Windsor Castle’s Crimson Drawing Room.