Her Royal Highness's Traditional Festive Musical Celebration Spotlights Community Volunteers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The large audience will enjoy a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Focusing on Kindness and Compassion
The theme of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child.
"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a letter ahead of the carol service.
A Gradual Return
The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to public life subsequent to her illness and medical care, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".
Music and Opportunity
Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of musical tuition.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been helped by the trust, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the concert.
"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.
A Sisterly Duo
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will likewise attend the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.
Within the audience will be representatives of different generations.
That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for food banks.
Festive Decor and Performances
The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination."
The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.