Catherine's Annual Yuletide Service of Carols Spotlights Community Volunteers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas.
The 1,600 guests will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.
A Theme of Kindness and Compassion
The central message of the concert, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an extraordinary difference to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the festive gathering.
A Gradual Return
The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".
Musical Talent and Access
Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the former royal to increase availability of music lessons.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the charity, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the concert.
"Music can be very expensive," 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 cultivate their performance abilities.
Generations Gathering
Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.
Attending the service will be representatives of different generations.
That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient 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 handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them.
The musical lineup includes recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."
This annual carol service will be televised and shown on television on December 24th.
