Her Royal Highness's Annual Yuletide Musical Celebration Spotlights Charity Helpers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The large audience will enjoy a blend of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors.
Focusing on Compassion and Love
The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to support families who have a terminally ill child.
"Your efforts, love, and understanding, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the concert.
A Steady Comeback
The princess has been making her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".
Music and Opportunity
Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of instrumental training.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been helped by the trust, with awards contributing to musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - 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 "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.
A Sisterly Duo
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, 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 individuals spanning multiple eras.
That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for food banks.
Festive Decor and Performances
The Abbey has been decorated with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "a dream come true."
The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.