🔗 Share this article Catherine's Yearly Festive Musical Celebration Honours Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic 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 listen to a blend of carols, music and readings from stars like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Focusing on Compassion and Love The focus of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a message before the concert. A Gradual Return The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to public life subsequent to her illness and medical care, last month delivering her major oration since 2023, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with awards contributing to equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents. A Sisterly Duo Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be representatives of different generations. That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic 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 listen to a blend of carols, music and readings from stars like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Focusing on Compassion and Love The focus of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a message before the concert. A Gradual Return The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to public life subsequent to her illness and medical care, last month delivering her major oration since 2023, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with awards contributing to equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents. A Sisterly Duo Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be representatives of different generations. That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.