🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Traditional Christmas Carol Concert Honours Community Volunteers Catherine attends Westminster Abbey in preparation for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The large audience will enjoy a blend of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The theme of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to public life following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Performance and Potential Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the former royal to increase availability of musical tuition. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the organisation, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the concert. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said. Within the audience will be representatives of different generations. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.
Catherine attends Westminster Abbey in preparation for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The large audience will enjoy a blend of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The theme of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to public life following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Performance and Potential Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the former royal to increase availability of musical tuition. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the organisation, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the concert. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said. Within the audience will be representatives of different generations. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.