đź”— Share this article Her Royal Highness's Traditional Yuletide Service of Carols Spotlights Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas. The large audience will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. A Theme of Kindness and Compassion The focus of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "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," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the festive gathering. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Music and Opportunity Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the trust, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service. "Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents. 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 distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be people from various age groups. That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." This annual carol service will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas. The large audience will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. A Theme of Kindness and Compassion The focus of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "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," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the festive gathering. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Music and Opportunity Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the trust, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service. "Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents. 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 distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be people from various age groups. That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." This annual carol service will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.