The brand new Duke of Edinburgh found himself playing second fiddle to a frog at one of the most spectacular royal events of 2023.
Prince Edward laughed as he was upstaged by Kermit during the Coronation Concert which followed the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
On May 7th 2023, thousands of people who won tickets in a ballot joined the Royal Family and their guests at the show in the grounds of Windsor Castle. And while superstars including Katy Perry and Lionel Richie headlined, it was the appearance of two of the Muppets that won plenty of fans and gave the arts loving Duke of Edinburgh a chance to be part of the fun.
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance, Kermit the Frog could be seen waving and dancing in front of the Duke of Edinburgh in the Royal Box at the concert. Amidst the star-studded cast list were two surprise additions: Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, the world’s two most famous Muppets.
They appeared together in a skit with host Hugh Bonneville while looking for their seats—Miss Piggy flirted with Bonneville, mistaking him for his Downton Abbey character, and telling him to pick out a big engagement ring for her. “Oh, you feel it too! Lady Piggy, it just sounds so right, doesn’t it?” she asked him.
Bonneville quipped: “Give me a bear with a marmalade habit any time,” referring to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s skit with Paddington Bear at the Platinum Jubilee concert last year.
Later, Kermit appeared in the Royal Box in front of Prince Edward. Miss Piggy was nowhere to be seen. Kermit the Frog released a statement, as shared by The Telegraph: “It was such an incredible honour for Miss Piggy and me to be invited to participate in the Coronation Concert for King Charles III. The United Kingdom was our home while filming The Muppet Show and we’ve loved it ever since. As a frog, it’s always a thrill to hop across the world’s biggest pond — especially for a once in a lifetime event like this! I would like to thank His Majesty and the entire Royal Family for having us. Congratulations, Your Majesty!”
The upstaging of her husband by a frog didn’t put off the Duchess of Edinburgh whose dance moves almost stole the show completely. Nearly every time the camera panned to her in the Royal Box, Sophie could be seen singing and dancing along to the show. One such moment was during Lionel Ritchie’s performance of ‘All Night Long.’
She quickly became a talking point on social media, with many users praising her dance moves and her relaxed nature. Sitting behind her, Mike and Zara Tindall could also be seen dancing.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte showed her appreciation for Katy Perry, singing along to many of the star’s biggest hits including ‘Roar’ and ‘Firework.’
The American singer, who has supported King Charles with his British Asian Trust, appeared at the Windsor Castle concert in a custom-made gold ballgown designed by Vivienne Westwood.
“I am so happy to be here with you people. I love you so much. I’m so happy to celebrate this whole weekend,” Perry said.
The singer revealed that she brought her mother with her to the United Kingdom, and that “we got to stay in Windsor Castle, no big deal. Thank you for having me at this coronation celebration.”
She added: “I would like to dedicate this next song to the King and the work that we get to do together with the British Asian Trust and their Children’s Protection Fund. Thank you for bringing out the firework in so many young people.”
And the concert also included a heartfelt tribute to King Charles from his elder son and heir, the Prince of Wales.
In a moving speech, Prince William said ”“Pa, we are all so proud of you.”
And he noted the lifelong service that was also celebrated as King Charles was crowned, saying ”“My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service. It was a pledge to continue to serve. Because for over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.”
Before returning to his seat, William made his own vow of service. “I commit myself to serve you all. King, Country and Commonwealth. God Save The King!”
It was a high point of a special show to mark an historic event.
