The Princess of Wales's Yearly Christmas Musical Celebration Honours Charity Helpers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities.
The sizable congregation will listen to a selection of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.
Focusing on Compassion and Love
The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others.
Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who established a foundation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child.
"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert.
A Gradual Return
The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to public life following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Performance and Potential
Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for music lessons.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at the concert.
"Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities.
Generations Gathering
Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many important people," she said.
Within the audience will be representatives of different generations.
That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, winner of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for food banks.
Festive Decor and Performances
The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true."
The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.
