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.
-
Prince William's Love of Family Travel "Has Been Shaped" by Princess Diana's Death and Desire for a "Normal Upbringing"
"He understands his duty but also wants to make sure his family comes first."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Now That We've Devoured 'Onyx Storm,' We're Rounding Up Everything We Know About the 'Fourth Wing' TV Show
Rebecca Yarros's bestselling romantasy series is getting the Prime Video series treatment.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
How Hannah Einbinder "Worked Up" to Her 'Hacks' Season 4 Premiere Dress
The star has been on a fashion journey since her hit show's first season.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince William's Love of Family Travel "Has Been Shaped" by Princess Diana's Death and Desire for a "Normal Upbringing"
"He understands his duty but also wants to make sure his family comes first."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Royal Fans Want Details About Kate Middleton and Prince William's "Mysterious" New Family Member
This is a case for the FBI!
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Inside Kate Middleton's "Extra Special" Mother's Day Celebrations With Prince William and Family
"This Mother’s Day is one they can wholeheartedly celebrate as Catherine continues her recovery."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Want to "Renovate" an "Abandoned" Part of Their Home, Adelaide Cottage
"I think they surprised a lot of people when they moved there," a royal expert explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Will Be Making More Joint Appearances "Whenever Possible," Says Royal Expert
A royal expert weighed in on their plans, calling them "the world's most glamorous royal couple."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Shares an Emotional Mother's Day Post One Year After Her Photoshop Scandal
The Princess of Wales is moving on from her photo faux pas with a personal video montage.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Has Been Embracing a Princess Diana-Inspired Wardrobe Change as She Prepares for Her Future Role as Queen
There's some very important symbolism behind the fashion choice, according to a royal style expert.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
How Carole Middleton Might Step Up to Support Princess Kate Following Previous Controversies
"I'm sure the whole family will be wanting to erase the memory of last year's Mother's Day."
By Amy Mackelden Published