Royal harpist Claire Jones will welcome Prince William and Kate Middleton to Buckingham Palace with a classical repertoire – and the odd Welsh tune, she said today.
She will provide the musical backdrop for the arrival of the newlyweds who will walk into the palace and be greeted by family, friends and a host of famous names.
The 26-year-old musician, who was appointed harpist to the Prince of Wales in 2007, has described her excitement at the prospect of playing for Prince William and Ms Middleton on their wedding day.
Ms Jones said she was contacted by Prince Charles’ household Clarence House and asked to perform at the palace reception but the request came directly from the prince and his fiancée.
She added: “I’ll be performing to welcome them back to the palace following their (wedding) service and also to welcome their guests.
“It will be a fantastic time to meet them of course and to perform for them, so I’m very much looking forward to the day.”
Ms Jones met Prince William a few years ago when she played for him privately before a Wales vs South Africa rugby match in Cardiff but has yet to meet Ms Middelton.
The musician, from Crymych, Pembrokeshire but now living in London, has seen her profile rise significantly since her appointment and has entertained concert-goers across the world in recent years and released three albums in 2010. The harpist will take to the stage with flautist Sir James Galway in Belfast next month. She said she has been inundated with calls from the press, both at home and abroad, inquiring about her official position with Prince Charles, her chosen instrument and the special “Prince of Wales” harp she will play on the day.
She added: “For the wedding it’s going to be sharing ideas and I do know the young couple have ideas of what they want me to play but I’m sure there will be a couple of nice Welsh traditional tunes because of their connection with north Wales (where they are based).
“And also then a few classical pieces because of my background, that’s what I anticipate but it’s all to be confirmed in the next few weeks.
“Usually what I play for the Prince of Wales are pieces by Bach, Handel – some of the romantic composers like Tchaikovsky, they are all great favourites so I’m sure it will be something along the lines of that.”