🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Annual Christmas Carol Concert Spotlights Unsung Heroes The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Focusing on Kindness and Compassion The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the festive gathering. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own steady comeback to public life following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to broaden opportunities for music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been helped by the charity, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the evening's event. "Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said. Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for community pantries. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them. The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the perfect culmination." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Focusing on Kindness and Compassion The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a terminally ill child. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the festive gathering. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own steady comeback to public life following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to broaden opportunities for music lessons. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been helped by the charity, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the evening's event. "Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to cultivate their performance abilities. Generations Gathering Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said. Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for community pantries. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them. The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the perfect culmination." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.