🔗 Share this article Catherine's Yearly Christmas Service of Carols Honours Charity Helpers Catherine attends Westminster Abbey in preparation for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will hear a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including award-winning actors. A Theme of Compassion and Love The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the evening's event. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Sisterly Duo Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a youth community award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to generate funds for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on television on December 24th.
Catherine attends Westminster Abbey in preparation for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will hear a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including award-winning actors. A Theme of Compassion and Love The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the evening's event. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Sisterly Duo Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a youth community award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to generate funds for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on television on December 24th.