🔗 Share this article Catherine's Yearly Yuletide Carol Concert Honours Unsung Heroes The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child. "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," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the concert. A Gradual Return The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Musical Talent and Access Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to widen access to instrumental training. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the charity, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. 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 invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods. The 1,600 guests will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child. "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," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the concert. A Gradual Return The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Musical Talent and Access Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to widen access to instrumental training. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the charity, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in tonight's service. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. 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 invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.