Kate Middleton's heartbreaking amendment in honor of the Queen on carol concert invite

Kate Middleton's heartbreaking amendment to the final invitation design added sweet details that pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth...

Kate Middleton's heartbreaking amendment to invite pays tribute to Queen, seen here side-by-side on different occasions
(Image credit: Future// Image 1: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images// Image 2: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton's heartbreaking amendment in honor of the Queen on her Christmas Carol Concert invite has been revealed by its illustrator.  


Last Christmas fans were entranced to see Kate Middleton steal the show with a “beautiful” piano performance as she hosted Royal Carols: Together At Christmas at Westminster Abbey. This special concert was attended by royals including Prince William, as well as inspirational people who’d done so much for their communities and the event reflected on the year's challenges and celebrated small acts of kindness. It’s now been confirmed that there will be another royal carol concert this December, leaving fans desperate for Kate to play the piano again. 

Taking to social media, they shared a video of their invite’s illustrations being drawn as they invited people to join them. The 2022 concert will pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth and it seems the invite itself did so too - thanks to Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking amendment! 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex take part in 'Royal Carols - Together At Christmas'

(Image credit: Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Opening up Hello!, illustrator Aurelie Baudry Palmer, who was the creative genius behind Prince William and Kate Middleton’s invitation to the 2022 carol concert, discussed her excitement at being approached to do the design. 

"It was such an honor to be approached by Kensington Palace to illustrate the announcement for the Princess of Wales' carol service at Westminster Abbey,” she revealed. “It was definitely a 'pinch-me' moment when they got in touch!”

It was then that the talented illustrator revealed how quick the turnaround on this festive project was. Though she was still able to fulfill Princess Kate’s reported request of adding an animal incredibly close to the late Queen’s heart. 

"This commission was a fairly quick turnaround, and I also wanted to leave plenty of time for feedback - like the addition of corgis!" Aurelie said. 

So it seems that Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking amendment came relatively last minute but it was definitely worth it as the adorable corgis frolicking in the snow outside Westminster Abbey add an extra personal touch to the wintry scene. The Queen’s corgis were regularly glimpsed throughout her reign and have been pictured beside her at everywhere from Balmoral to Buckingham Palace. 

Since Her Majesty’s passing in September her former daughter-in-law Sarah Ferguson gave an update on the corgis since they’ve been taken in by her and Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge and said they were “national treasures”.

The corgis of Queen Elizabeth II, Muick and Sandy seen in the Windsor Castle grounds

(Image credit: Photo by Jonathan Buckmaster - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Throughout her reign corgis were the breed of dog most closely associated with Queen Elizabeth, who received her first when she was 18.

It seems that the Princess of Wales greatly appreciated their meaningful role in her late grandmother-in-law’s life too. Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking amendment showcases her immense respect for the Queen and her desire to pay tribute to her in a sweet way as the royals continue to feel her loss deeply. 

The 2022 Christmas carol concert will be recorded on December 15 and broadcast for fans to enjoy on Christmas Eve on ITV. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!