How Prince Louis Helped Kate Middleton Pull Off a Major Christmas Surprise for Princess Charlotte
Best little brother ever.


Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis don't make many public appearances, but when they do, royal watchers are treated to plenty of adorable moments. The royal trio headed to their mom Princess Kate's annual Together at Christmas carol concert on Friday, Dec. 6, and during the event, the mom of three revealed a sweet story about how Louis kept a secret from his big sister.
Speaking to singer Paloma Faith, who performed at the concert, the Princess of Wales shared how she enlisted Prince Louis's help in pulling off a special moment for 9-year-old Charlotte. Dancers from the Royal Ballet performed during the carol service, and apparently, Princess Kate wanted Charlotte—a big ballet fan—to get a magical holiday surprise when they showed up.
In footage shared by Sky News on TikTok, Princess Kate said, "Louis knew about the dancers and was talking about them over tea." The 6-year-old asked "what's the secret?" prompting his mom to let him in on the surprise under one condition.
"I said Louis, can you keep a secret, because I want it to be a surprise for Charlotte, who loves her ballet," the royal continued. "And he said promise, promise I won't say anything."
Prince Louis kept a big surprise from his sister for a whole two weeks, according to Princess Kate.
If you've ever counted on a 6-year-old child to keep a surprise from being spoiled, you're probably in shock, but it turns out little Louis is an excellent secret keeper. "He's kept the secret! This is what? Maybe two weeks," the proud mom told Faith, who replied, "Very challenging."
However, Louis almost didn't make it to the concert before spilling the surprise, asking his mom on the way to school if he could reveal the dancers' participation. "And then his morning he said, 'Mummy, please can I tell her, I'm bursting!' Princess Kate revealed. "I did the drop off and he really wanted to tell her. I think, hopefully, he's kept it."
The royal added, "I don't think he's said anything."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Along with the adorable story about Louis's secret-keeping abilities, the Princess of Wales—who announced she'd been diagnosed with cancer in March—referenced her health struggles to Faith. "I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had," she said in the TikTok video.
"The unplanned," Faith replied. Princess Kate agreed, "The unplanned, exactly. But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times, and many who are here today."

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Body Language Expert Reveals Kate Middleton Can't "Mask Her Emotions" at Trooping the Colour 2025
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Kate Middleton's Trooping the Colour Outfit Features a Special Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Catherine made sure the late monarch's presence was felt at the prestigious event.
-
Yes, Prince Louis and Prince George Are Having a Ball at Trooping the Colour 2025
Their matching outfits are simply the icing on the cake.
-
Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Showcase Their Mother-Daughter Style at Trooping the Colour 2025
The little princess twinned with her mom in the best way.
-
Kate Middleton Channels Princess Diana in a Catherine Walker Coat Dress at Trooping the Colour 2025
The Princess of Wales even wore the same designer as her late mother-in-law.
-
This Vintage Clip of Kate Middleton Apologizing to Prince William After Beating Him in a Boat Race Is Going Viral on TikTok
"We were sabotaged," Will joked after Kate beat him not once, but twice.
-
How Prince William and Princess Kate Are "Preparing" George, Charlotte, and Louis for "Their Future Roles" Within the Royal Family
"William takes his responsibilities...very seriously," a royal expert explained.
-
Princess Kate Embraces the Déjà Vu Blue Trend For Surprise Appearance—And Her Necklace Is On Sale
And her necklace is on sale.