Kate Middleton Is Quietly Following Queen Elizabeth's Footsteps With Her 'Genius' Idea
As the holiday season approaches, Kate Middleton is set to unveil another one of her signature gatherings. It is a celebration that has grown to stand out in the royal calendars. Her expanding role in shaping modern royal traditions is especially evident in her annual Christmas initiative, which carries the echoes of the late Queen Elizabeth’s enduring influence.
Middleton’s much-awaited fifth annual Together at Christmas carol concert takes center stage this Friday, i.e., December 5, 2025, at Westminster Abbey. This festive gathering is one of her well-known initiatives, known for its warmth, surprises, and family-focused spirit. Former royal butler Grant Harrold called it a “genius” creation. After all, it’s an event that doesn’t just celebrate Christmas but also unites the royal family for a public outing beyond their traditional Christmas morning walk at Sandringham. According to Marie Claire, he revealed, “We used to only see them all together on Christmas morning when they attend church, but now there’s an extra outing,” Harrold said. “It’s a genius idea, as well as being a lovely one.”
Harrold mentioned that the annual event has become Middleton’s project in its own right and reflects her growing prominence in the monarchy. He drew parallels to the late Queen Elizabeth’s guiding philosophy, which held that royals “must be seen to be believed.” As she hosts this celebration every year, the princess has carried on the late monarch’s legacy by placing the royal family at the heart of the joyful gathering. This year’s theme is ‘love in all its forms’ and will include a special tribute to the late Duchess of Kent, and will include performances from a musical charity she helped found.
Over the years, Middleton has delighted audiences with her unexpected artistic contributions. Be it her elegant piano performance from 2021 to the surprise ballet segment from 2024 that charmed her daughter, Princess Charlotte. While making note of this pattern, Harrold joked, “It will be interesting to see what she does this year; she could bring out a violin or a ukulele for all we know.” While saying she has always been “confident and certain of herself in whatever she does”, Harrold concluded that he didn’t “ever remember Kate being a nervous person.” These attributes help the princess royal deliver memorable moments and performances.
Middleton’s poise was equally evident when she attended Donald Trump’s state banquet dinner in September 2025. She paid subtle homage to Queen Elizabeth with a gold, lace-embroidered couture ensemble reminiscent of the one worn by the late monarch in 2003. The choice highlighted not only her sophistication but also her ongoing effort to honor royal tradition through thoughtful visual echoes. This theme has mirrored her approach to the annual Christmas concerts.
The connection between Middleton and the late Queen is more than symbolic. According to the Daily Mail, royal commentator Richard Kay noted, “I don't think she really trusted anyone on first impression, we're all performing the same show, the show is supporting the Queen. But with Kate and the Queen, it grew deeper than that.” Despite the late monarch’s demanding schedule, she always found time for the princess. That enduring influence continues to echo in Middleton’s growing role within the firm.