The composer of the piece performed by the Princess of Wales and her daughter has spoken warmly about their “incredible bond,” following their joint appearance at the Together at Christmas carol service.
Catherine opened the annual service at Westminster Abbey in London with a pre-recorded piano duet alongside her 10-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte.
The star-studded event took place on December 5 and was later broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV1 in the UK, as well as on Christmas Day on ABC at 5.30pm in Australia.
The mother and daughter launched the service with a graceful performance of Holm Sound, composed by Scottish musician Erland Cooper.
A Personal Invitation to the Composer
Catherine personally invited Mr Cooper to Windsor Castle earlier this month so he could watch them perform the piece together.
Reflecting on the experience, the composer said: “It was just lovely. I think I was there for a little bit of encouragement. I mean, imagine anybody performing a piece of music in front of a film crew, and then the person who wrote it.
“Princess Charlotte played beautifully, she really has a wonderful way of playing the lighter notes just beautifully. So we were able to celebrate in that together.
“It’s certainly one of my favourite winter solstice moments. To walk into the Castle, to be greeted by a Steinway grand piano, and then to have a really poignant recital and performance.”
How the Performance Came Together
Mr Cooper went on to describe his earlier conversations with Catherine and how the performance came about.
“We [him and Kate] had a very warm, creative conversation earlier in the year, which was lovely, and then it culminated with an invitation to Windsor Castle. The princess asked, ‘Would it be okay if we perform this piece of music that we so enjoy together?’
“It was such a lovely request, so I said absolutely no problem at all. I was invited to witness this incredible bond between mother and daughter performing together and for that I am so grateful.”
The Meaning Behind the Music
The composer explained that Holm Sound, which he wrote and dedicated to his mother—also named Charlotte—centres on themes of motherhood and the vital role family plays in life.
As the performance aired at the start of the service, viewers also saw guests arriving at Westminster Abbey.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were shown watching as their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis—tied paper chains bearing their names onto a “connection tree” outside the abbey.
A Christmas Message From Catherine
Narrating the video, Catherine shared a reflection on the meaning of the season.
“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.”
