🔗 Share this article Catherine's Annual Christmas Carol Concert Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers Catherine attends Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her annual festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The large audience will listen to a mix of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The theme of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to help households where there is 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 profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Performance and Potential Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the former royal to increase availability of music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in tonight's service. "Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Sisterly Duo Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, 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 distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will include nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
Catherine attends Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her annual festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The large audience will listen to a mix of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors. Centred Around Love and Generosity The theme of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to help households where there is 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 profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the festive gathering. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers". Performance and Potential Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the former royal to increase availability of music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in tonight's service. "Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Sisterly Duo Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, 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 distinguished guests," she said. Within the audience will be people from various age groups. That will include nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.