Prince William and Kate Middleton narrated a rewritten version of a Christmas poem as they revealed they surprised key workers and their families with toys at their panto outing.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 38, were joined by Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five and Prince Louis, two, on Friday night as they watched a special performance at The London Palladium, which was held to thank key workers during the Covid-19 crisis.
Posting on their official Twitter page today, the royals shared a clip explaining they had organised for Santa and his elves to deliver surprise gifts to those families in attendance.
In the video, the Duke and Duchess could be heard re-reading a new version of the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore, Twas The Night Before Christmas, in which they thanked key workers.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 38, have revealed they surprised key workers and their families with toys and gifts as they shared a rewritten version of a Christmas poem online about their recent pantomime visit
Posting the clip online, Prince William and Kate said: ‘This Christmas we want to say THANK YOU to our key workers and their families for all they have done and for the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.
‘As a small part in that effort we have worked with the National Lottery and Hamleys to share a bit of Christmas magic.’
In the video, key workers and their families could be seen arriving at the London Palladium while Santa Claus and his elf workers asked them what they wanted for Christmas.
The elves could be seen dashing across London to the famous toy shop in order to grab presents before they were gifted to the children on the red carpet at the end of the performance.
In the clip, which was shared online today, key workers and their families could be seen arriving at the London Palladium while Santa Claus and his elf workers asked them what they wanted for Christmas
The Duke and Duchess could be heard sharing a rewritten version of the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas
During the clip, Prince William and Kate read alternating lines of the poem, with the Duke starting off: ‘Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the land, key workers kept working to help give us a hand.’
The Duchess paid tribute to teachers, shop workers and volunteers, before they said they had wanted to ‘do something special in the best Christmas tradition.’
The couple ended the poem: ‘The guests never dreamt that during the show, the elves had worked swiftly, all covered in snow.
‘With smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes, the children couldn’t believe they had such a surprise.
Royal fans were quick to praise the Duke and Duchess for the gesture, with many calling it ‘a brilliant surprise’
‘As families departed, as if from a book, there is magic to be found, wherever you look.
‘The moral of the story, true now more than ever, is remarkable things happen when we all work together.’
Royal fans were left in tears as they watched the clip, with many praising the Duke and Duchess for their geneorisity.
One commented: ‘I must stop cutting these onions. That was truly beautiful…what an amazing idea. So proud of William and Kate for making this happen.
During the theatre visit on Friday, the Duke and Duchess met with key workers and their families to thank them for their work amid the Covid-19 crisis
‘Lovely narration by William…such a soothing voice. This sort of thing is that makes Britain, Great.’
Another wrote: ‘What a brilliant surprise for the children and their families, you truly made this difficult Christmas a special one for them, spreading a little bit of magic!
‘Wishing your beautiful family the best for Christmas and may the new year bring many more happy moments like these.’
A third added: ‘Just wonderful.. lovely, simple, special and magical.
Prince William and Kate were joined by Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two, on the red carpet
‘The Cambridge’s have done a wonderful job this year well done to them all.. I am sure the Queen is very proud.’
Pantoland, billed as a celebration of pantomime, features a host of stars including singer Beverley Knight, dancers Ashley Banjo and Diversity, comedian and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, actor Nigel Havers, singer Gary Wilmot, actor Charlie Stemp, and Joseph star Jac Yarrow.
The audience included key workers from across the capital, including NHS staff, delivery drivers, refuse collectors, emergency services staff, charity workers and volunteers.