The Princess of Wales's Yearly Festive Carol Concert Honours Community Volunteers
The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Christmas carol concert at the iconic London venue, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas.
The large audience will hear a selection of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
A Theme of Kindness and Compassion
The focus of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
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 aid parents with a child with a terminal illness.
"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 letter ahead of the concert.
A Steady Comeback
The princess has been making her own steady comeback to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Performance and Potential
Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers backed by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert.
"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, 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 likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said.
Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras.
That will encompass Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations for local food charities.
Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts
The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design.
Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us."
The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.
