🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Annual Yuletide Service of Carols Spotlights Unsung Heroes The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the event, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday 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 charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the former royal to widen access to music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the evening's event. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will include nine-year-old Saphia Turner, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for community pantries. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the event, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday 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 charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the former royal to widen access to music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the evening's event. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will include nine-year-old Saphia Turner, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for community pantries. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.