Welcome back! Today, I’m excited to share two new videos featuring the Princess of Wales. The first video was unveiled earlier today.
The Princess is captured playing the piano in Windsor Castle’s Crimson Drawing Room at the start of tonight’s Eurovision Song Contest Final, hosted in Liverpool. Ordinarily, Ukraine would have hosted the event, following last year’s victory by the Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra. For more details, see this Washington Post article.
The UK is hosting the 67th Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine due to safety concerns amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, winners of the 2022 contest with their song “Stefania,” and the UK’s Sam Ryder, who placed second with “Space Man,” are notable participants. Liverpool is adorned with Ukrainian flags, and tickets have been distributed to Ukrainian residents in the UK.
The vibrant Ukrainian flag colors are prominently featured in this year’s event theme.
Kalush Orchestra, known for blending traditional Ukrainian motifs with contemporary sounds, performed in the opening sequence alongside various British artists, including the Princess of Wales, who delivered a brief piano piece arranged by Joe Price and Kojo Samuel.
The opening act also featured performances by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sam Ryder, Ballet Black, Bolt Strings, Ms. Banks, and Joss Stone. Below, a snapshot of Kalush Orchestra performing tonight.
For more insights, check out the Eurovision live blog.
The opening film tonight was a dynamic rendition of “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra, featuring a mix of musicians and dancers across Liverpool, and notably included the Princess of Wales. This unique involvement of royalty adds a special touch to the Eurovision spectacle.
Following the film, Kalush Orchestra took the stage to perform “Stefania,” a song that has become a fan favorite over the past year.
Many will recall the Duchess of Cambridge’s unexpected piano performance at the 2021 Christmas Carol concert.
The King and Queen Consort also participated in Eurovision preparations, visiting the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool last April to preview the BBC’s staging and lighting plans.
The royal couple appeared briefly in another video.
Earlier today, fans gathered at the Eurovision Village in Liverpool to watch the festivities on a large screen.
As night fell, the crowd scenes were vibrant and lively.
As of now, the top three finalists are as follows.
UPDATE: Sweden has been declared the winner!
Now, a quick look at what Kate wore in the video. Thanks to Laura for identifying the sapphire-colored ‘Marlowe’ gown by Jenny Packham, priced at $3820, a nod to the Ukrainian flag colors. The gown is crafted from 100% polyester chiffon, featuring a one-shouldered asymmetric design with gathered and pleated details, fitted at the bodice and waist, with a flared skirt. Here’s a closer look at the crystal embellishments. The gown is available at Net-a-Porter and also at FarFetch. Thanks also to Ada on Facebook for sharing her identification.
The Princess also wore the Queen Mother’s Diamond and Sapphire Fringe Earrings, as seen below.
Another video released today offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Wales family during the extended Coronation weekend. Here’s a clip from the Kensington Palace social media accounts.
The video, produced by Will Warr, captures intimate moments of the family throughout the weekend.
For more details, see The Mirror’s coverage.
Will Warr, who previously filmed the couple and their children on a beach in Norfolk for their 10th wedding anniversary, expressed his honor in capturing these historic moments.
Below, Prince William during the dress rehearsal for the Coronation Concert.
The Princess of Wales and Prince George arriving at the concert.
Yesterday, two new photos from the Coronation were released, featuring King Charles with his heirs, the Prince of Wales and Prince George.
In another image, several royal family members and attendants are pictured during the Coronation.
The Princess has two upcoming engagements next week, both in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.
VIDEOS:
Here is the full five-minute Coronation weekend video from Kensington Palace.
This is the full-length “Welcome to Liverpool” video.