🔗 Share this article Catherine's Yearly Yuletide Musical Celebration Honours Unsung Heroes The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from stars like award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Performance and Potential Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists backed by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the former royal to widen access to instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in tonight's service. "Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Attending the service will be representatives of different generations. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for food banks. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on television on December 24th.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from stars like award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Performance and Potential Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists backed by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the former royal to widen access to instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in tonight's service. "Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Attending the service will be representatives of different generations. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for food banks. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on television on December 24th.