🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Traditional Yuletide Service of Carols Honours Charity Helpers The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are a couple named the Cordiners, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the carol service. A Gradual Return The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Musical Talent and Access Those coming to the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the concert. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to collect donations for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. The musical lineup includes recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are a couple named the Cordiners, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the carol service. A Gradual Return The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Musical Talent and Access Those coming to the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the concert. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to collect donations for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. The musical lineup includes recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.