🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Annual Christmas Service of Carols Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers Catherine attends Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities. The large audience will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, 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 hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the carol service. A Steady Comeback The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians supported by the Future Talent organisation, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents. Generations Gathering Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be representatives of different generations. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for community pantries. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be 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 "the icing on the cake for us." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
Catherine attends Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities. The large audience will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, 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 hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the carol service. A Steady Comeback The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians supported by the Future Talent organisation, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents. Generations Gathering Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be representatives of different generations. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for community pantries. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be 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 "the icing on the cake for us." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.