Christchurch songbird Hayley Westenra is set to sing a lullaby for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child.
Westenra’s new album, Hushabye, features a tune, Sleep On, which has been penned for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby, expected in July.
The track has been written by composer Paul Mealor who also composed some of the music for the the royal couple’s wedding.
A statement on Westenra’s website says the album “is designed to calm parents and children alike with calming tunes”.
Her father, Gerald Westenra, told The Press today that his daughter was “very excited” about her new album.
“It’s a bit different because it’s something she’s never done before. I’m very pleased and proud of her.”
He said it was “pretty cool” that his daughter had the opportunity to write for the royal baby.
Hushabye will be released in Britain on June 17. The album features songs such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hush Little Baby and Dream a Little Dream of Me.
Mealor tweeted that it was an “honour” to write for the “amazing album”.
A copy of the new album will be sent to the Duke and Duchess when it is released.
“It’s early days yet, the album hasn’t even been released yet,” Westenra’s father said.
“I’m sure they will enjoy it though. The composer is very experienced with writing songs for the royal family.”
Westenra has been busy tweeting about her new album.
“To introduce the album … Decca offered me the opportunity to work on a lullaby record with them and I thought it would be a lot of fun to make as there are many songs in this genre that I love.”
She has previously met various members of the royal family, including singing for Prince William.
The singer has been engaged to her partner, French sound engineer Arnaud Sabard, for over a year. The couple became engaged on a trip to New Zealand in early 2012.
Gerald Westenra said the couple had “no concrete plans” on their wedding yet, as they both had busy schedules.
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