🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Yearly Christmas Service of Carols Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers Catherine arrives at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have helped their communities. The 1,600 guests will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Focusing on Kindness and Compassion The focus of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to help households where there is a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be representatives of different generations. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us." This annual carol service will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
Catherine arrives at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have helped their communities. The 1,600 guests will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Focusing on Kindness and Compassion The focus of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to help households where there is a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be representatives of different generations. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us." This annual carol service will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.