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The Royal Year in Review

How the Princess of Wales became the surprise UK winner at Eurovision 2023

The Princess of Wales became the surprise UK winner as the country hosted the competition for the first time in a quarter of a century. Catherine made a surprise appearance as the 2023 event got under way.

As the show opened in Liverpool, the Princess was seen in the opening film, playing the piano. Catherine performed in the Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle in a segment recorded earlier in May, ahead of the competition.

And her rendition came in a section alongside the winners of last year’s Eurovision, Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine. The 2022 victors were seen in the same segment, performing at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti underground station in Kyiv.

The Princess of Wales wore a blue dress in honour of Ukraine. The UK, who came second in 2022, hosted the contest on behalf of the country which was unable to stage it because of the ongoing war. In the run up to the Coronation, the Princess also held a meeting with Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.

And the Princess of Wales wasn’t the first member of the Royal Family to get involved with the contest which brought huge crowds to Liverpool, boosted the city’s vibrant arts scene and showcased the UK’s music industry. King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Liverpool to unveil the Eurovision staging ahead of the semi finals and final.

The actual contest was won by Sweden and Eurovision legend, Loreen. Which means all eyes are on Prince Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria to start the 2024 competition in royal style.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.