STARS gathered for a Christmas carol service thrown by the Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey – and fans were surprised by a singer who looked unrecognisable.
Kate, 43, welcomed special guests to entertain for Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, which was broadcast on Christmas Eve.
Closest Thing to Crazy singer Katie Melua showed off a dramatic new look as she stepped out to perform in front of the royals.
The 41-year-old sang White Christmas as Kate, her husband William and their three children George, Charlotte and Louis watched on.
Princess Kate mouthed “thank you” moments after Katie performed at her special service.
Katie, who enjoyed hits in the 00s, said: “It was my first time performing ‘White Christmas’, thank you to Simon Haw for the brilliant new arrangement.
“And thank you to the Princess of Wales for having me, it was unbelievably special to be a part of it.”
But viewers were distracted by Katie’s new look – swapping her short dark hair for a blonde up-do.
One said: “Katie Melua looks different blonde! Like millie bobby browns older sister.”
Another added: “Katie Melua’s not blonde!”
Someone else wrote: “Blonde?! She looks so different.”
In a heartwarming moment during the programme, Princess Charlotte looked up to her mother Kate as they played piano side-by-side.
The royal duo delivered a festive surprise as they performed together to open the Together at Christmas carol concert.
Footage showed Kate and Charlotte together playing ‘Holm Sound’ by Scottish composer Erland Cooper for his mother Charlotte.
Trigger Point actress Vicky McClure narrated the service after Kate’s introduction.
More than 600 guests were entertained by readings and music delivered by Hollywood actors Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Kate Winslet, 50, performed a touching reading titled ‘Reflection of Love and Connection’.
The service also involved students from London’s Platinum Performing Arts.
Prince William later delivered a heartwarming passage from Luke 2:18.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night,” the royal said.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
