The Princess of Wales's Traditional Yuletide Carol Concert Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities.

The 1,600 guests will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from performers including Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

A Theme of Kindness and Compassion

The theme of the event, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.

In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a message before the concert.

A Gradual Return

The royal has been undertaking 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 reflected on recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".

Performance and Potential

Those coming to the Abbey can listen to budding artists backed by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition.

An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the charity, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the evening's event.

"Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to cultivate their performance abilities.

A Family Affair

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here 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, recipient of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for food banks.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the perfect culmination."

This annual carol service will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.