The Princess of Wales's Yearly Christmas Musical Celebration Spotlights Charity Helpers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities.

The large audience will enjoy a mix of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors.

Centred Around Love and Generosity

The theme of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.

Attending the event are a couple named the Cordiners, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child.

"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the carol service.

A Gradual Return

The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Music and Opportunity

Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to widen access to music lessons.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be playing at the evening's event.

"Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills.

A Family Affair

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.

Attending the service will be people from various age groups.

That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations for local food charities.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the perfect culmination."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on television on December 24th.