Princess of Scales

Kate puts on a surprise show at the piano to kick off contest

- Tony Whitfield and David Stephenson

EUROVISION fans around the world were in for a musical treat last night when the Princess of Wales helped kick off the contest by playing the piano.

Kate, 41, an accomplished pianist, joined last year's Ukrainian champions Kalush Orchestra as they performed their winning entry Stefania.

She tickled the ivories with a short, instrumental performance in the show's opening sequence.

And for her sparkling cameo, the Princess wore earrings owned by the Queen Mother and the late Queen which were blue for Ukraine and a glamorous blue Jenny Packham dress.

The appearance was followed by a tweet from Kate and husband Prince William. On their official Twitter account they wrote: "A Eurovision surprise. A pleasure to join Kalush Orchestra in a special performance of last year's winning @ eurovision entry. Enjoy the show, Liverpool."