🔗 Share this article Catherine's Annual Yuletide Carol Concert Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Christmas carol concert at the iconic London venue, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will listen to a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Focusing on Love and Generosity The theme of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to aid parents with a child with a terminal illness. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a message before the festive gathering. Carefully Paced Reappearance The royal has been undertaking her own measured re-emergence to public life following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Musical Talent and Access Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the charity, with awards contributing to equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be playing at the evening's event. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at 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 representatives of different generations. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for community pantries. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on television on December 24th.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Christmas carol concert at the iconic London venue, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will listen to a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Focusing on Love and Generosity The theme of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to aid parents with a child with a terminal illness. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a message before the festive gathering. Carefully Paced Reappearance The royal has been undertaking her own measured re-emergence to public life following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Musical Talent and Access Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the charity, with awards contributing to equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be playing at the evening's event. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at 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 representatives of different generations. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for community pantries. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on television on December 24th.