Catherine's Traditional Yuletide Musical Celebration Honours Unsung Heroes
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The large audience will enjoy a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.
Centred Around Love and Generosity
The central message of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others.
Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a charity called 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 thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the festive gathering.
A Gradual Return
The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to public life following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Music and Opportunity
Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to budding artists supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for musical tuition.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at tonight's service.
"Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.
A Sisterly Duo
Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said.
Attending the service will be people from various age groups.
That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to collect donations for food banks.
Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment
The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true."
This annual carol service will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
