🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Traditional Festive Carol Concert Spotlights Charity Helpers The Princess of Wales attends Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities. The large audience will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents. A Family Affair Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend 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 nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations 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 helping to make them. The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales attends Westminster Abbey ahead of the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities. The large audience will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a terminally ill child. "Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The princess has been making her own gradual return to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert. "Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," she stated. She is now a student at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents. A Family Affair Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend 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 nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations 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 helping to make them. The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the perfect culmination." The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.