🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Annual Yuletide Musical Celebration Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Her Royal Highness has organised her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert. A Gradual Return The princess has been making her own gradual return to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Music and Opportunity Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from young musicians aided by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the former royal to increase availability of music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert. "Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, honouree of a youth community award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." This annual carol service will be broadcast on television on December 24th.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Her Royal Highness has organised her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert. A Gradual Return The princess has been making her own gradual return to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Music and Opportunity Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from young musicians aided by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the former royal to increase availability of music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert. "Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, honouree of a youth community award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." This annual carol service will be broadcast on television on December 24th.