Her Royal Highness's Traditional Festive Carol Concert Honours Community Volunteers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities.
The 1,600 guests will hear a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as award-winning actors.
A Theme of Love and Generosity
The focus of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.
Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.
"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the carol service.
Carefully Paced Reappearance
The royal has been undertaking her own measured re-emergence to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".
Music and Opportunity
Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians supported by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been helped by the organisation, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the evening's event.
"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.
A Family Affair
Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many notable figures," she said.
Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras.
That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for local food charities.
Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment
The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them.
The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us."
This annual carol service will be televised and shown on television on December 24th.
