🔗 Share this article Catherine's Annual Festive Service of Carols Spotlights Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the annual event. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The 1,600 guests will listen to a blend of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. Among the guests will be a couple named the Cordiners, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to the public eye subsequent to her illness and medical care, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Musical Talent and Access Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the trust, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents. A Sisterly Duo Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many important people," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for community pantries. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by television on December 24th.
The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the annual event. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The 1,600 guests will listen to a blend of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. Among the guests will be a couple named the Cordiners, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to the public eye subsequent to her illness and medical care, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Musical Talent and Access Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the trust, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents. A Sisterly Duo Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many important people," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for community pantries. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by television on December 24th.