🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Annual Festive Service of Carols Honours Unsung Heroes The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the festive concert. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas. The large audience will listen to a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Focusing on Kindness and Compassion The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the carol service. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Musical Talent and Access Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists backed by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert. "Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents. A Family Affair Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Attending the service will be people from various age groups. That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on television on December 24th.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the festive concert. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas. The large audience will listen to a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Focusing on Kindness and Compassion The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the carol service. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Musical Talent and Access Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists backed by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert. "Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents. A Family Affair Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Attending the service will be people from various age groups. That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on television on December 24th.