Catherine's Yearly Christmas Service of Carols Honours Charity Helpers
The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The sizable congregation will hear a blend of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors.
Focusing on Love and Generosity
The focus of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.
Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert.
Carefully Paced Reappearance
The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Musical Talent and Access
Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of musical tuition.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the trust, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the concert.
"Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.
Generations Gathering
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.
Attending the service will be people from various age groups.
That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities.
Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment
The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them.
The musical lineup includes recording artist Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us."
The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.