🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Traditional Yuletide Carol Concert Spotlights Charity Helpers The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the annual event. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will listen to a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often discreetly and without words, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the concert. A Gradual Return The princess has been making her own gradual return to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists supported by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the concert. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the annual event. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will listen to a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often discreetly and without words, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the concert. A Gradual Return The princess has been making her own gradual return to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists supported by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the former royal to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the concert. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them. Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.