Catherine's Yearly Christmas Carol Concert Spotlights Community Volunteers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The large audience will listen to a selection of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as award-winning actors.
Centred Around Kindness and Compassion
The theme of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.
Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the carol service.
A Gradual Return
The Princess of Wales is continuing her own steady comeback to public life following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".
Musical Talent and Access
Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to widen access to instrumental training.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the organisation, with awards contributing to equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at tonight's service.
"Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.
A Sisterly Duo
Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many notable figures," she said.
Attending the service will be representatives of different generations.
That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, honouree of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities.
Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts
The Abbey has been festooned with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them.
Among the musical performers will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true."
The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.