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Catherine Addison-Swan

Prince William and Kate surprise royal fans in Windsor ahead of Coronation Concert

The Prince and Princess of Wales have surprised well-wishers in Windsor with an unannounced appearance the day after the King's Coronation.

William and Kate embarked on a surprise walkabout ahead of the star-studded Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. The royal family will join around 20,000 members of the public to watch performances from the likes of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Take That, with William set to deliver a speech during the event.

It comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla spoke out for the first time since being crowned to thank royal fans for their support following yesterday's Coronation. In a joint statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the monarchs said they were "deeply touched" by the historic events and "profoundly grateful" to those who turned out to celebrate.

READ MORE: Queen Camilla's Coronation outfit included nod to beloved rescue dogs as viewers spot sweet detail

William and Kate were seen greeting concert-goers on The Long Walk in Windsor, shaking hands and chatting to revellers. At one point, Kate, wearing a pale blue blazer and white top, picked up a small union flag on a stick which had fallen on the floor and handed it to the well-wisher who dropped it, and William was seen making jokes with fans, PA reports.

Scores of people crowded around the Prince and Princess of Wales as they posed for group photos and selfies, with William crouching down to chat to a boy and girl wearing golden crowns. The pair were offered a drink in a Union flag-printed paper cup from one member of the crowd and William told a group of well-wishers to enjoy the concert, while Kate was spotted comforting a little girl who appeared overcome with emotion to meet the princess.

The royal couple delighted fans earlier by showing a heartwarming glimpse behind the scenes of Coronation Day on their official Instagram page. In a short video clip, William and Kate could be seen leaving their home in their ceremony attire alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in a moment that one supporter said gave them "goosebumps."

"Love those intimate scenes at the beginning. Almost like any other parents with their children, rushing to a family gathering," another fan said in the comments section.

The Coronation Concert will be broadcast live from Windsor Castle by the BBC on BBC One, BBC Radio 2, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer tonight (Sunday, May 7). Hollywood star Tom Cruise will appear in a pre-recorded sketch to be shown during the concert, as will singer Sir Tom Jones, actress Dame Joan Collins, adventurer Bear Grylls, and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse.

More music acts have also been confirmed, with Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, rock guitarist Steve Winwood, and Chinese pianist Lang Lang all having been added to the line-up. Also among the new additions are Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, DJ Pete Tong with his Ibiza Classics project, and winner of The Piano TV talent show, 13-year-old Lucy.

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