🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Yearly Yuletide Service of Carols Spotlights Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas. The large audience will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like award-winning actors. A Theme of Kindness and Compassion The theme of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Performance and Potential Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers aided by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been helped by the trust, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents. Generations Gathering Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who is a euphonium player, 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 encompass nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for local food charities. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist 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 Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas. The large audience will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like award-winning actors. A Theme of Kindness and Compassion The theme of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Gradual Return The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Performance and Potential Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers aided by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been helped by the trust, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents. Generations Gathering Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who is a euphonium player, 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 encompass nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for local food charities. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist 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 Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.