Her Royal Highness's Annual Festive Carol Concert Spotlights Community Volunteers

The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The sizable congregation will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

A Theme of Kindness and Compassion

The theme of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.

Attending the event are a couple named the Cordiners, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child.

"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the carol service.

A Steady Comeback

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to public life subsequent to her illness and medical care, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Music and Opportunity

Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training.

Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the charity, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert.

"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities.

A Sisterly Duo

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.

Among the guests will be representatives of different generations.

That will encompass nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for community pantries.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.