🔗 Share this article Catherine's Annual Yuletide Service of Carols Honours Community Volunteers Catherine attends Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with attendees featuring members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the event, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the carol service. Carefully Paced Reappearance The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the former royal to widen access to instrumental training. Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at the concert. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who is a euphonium player, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for community pantries. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.
Catherine attends Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with attendees featuring members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Compassion and Love The theme of the event, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the carol service. Carefully Paced Reappearance The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the former royal to widen access to instrumental training. Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at the concert. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who is a euphonium player, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for community pantries. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.