🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Yearly Yuletide Musical Celebration Honours Community Volunteers Catherine is pictured at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The theme of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a message before the carol service. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Performance and Potential Those coming to the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert. "Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Sisterly Duo Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be representatives of different generations. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us." This annual carol service will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
Catherine is pictured at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the carol service. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The sizable congregation will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The theme of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a message before the carol service. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Performance and Potential Those coming to the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert. "Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Sisterly Duo Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be representatives of different generations. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us." This annual carol service will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.