đź”— Share this article Catherine's Annual Christmas Carol Concert Honours Charity Helpers The Princess of Wales attends Westminster Abbey in preparation for the festive concert. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The large audience will hear a blend of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Centred Around Compassion and Love The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to support families who have a child with a terminal illness. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the carol service. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Musical Talent and Access Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been festooned with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform 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 attends Westminster Abbey in preparation for the festive concert. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The large audience will hear a blend of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Centred Around Compassion and Love The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to support families who have a child with a terminal illness. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the carol service. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Musical Talent and Access Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been festooned with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.