🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Annual Festive Carol Concert Pays Tribute to Charity Helpers Catherine arrives at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will hear a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The theme of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the concert. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Musical Talent and Access Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be people from various age groups. That will encompass 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 handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, 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 a major network on Christmas Eve.
Catherine arrives at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will hear a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The theme of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the concert. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Musical Talent and Access Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be people from various age groups. That will encompass 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 handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, 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 a major network on Christmas Eve.