Her Royal Highness's Annual Yuletide Musical Celebration Spotlights Charity Helpers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities.

The large audience will enjoy a blend of carols, music and readings from stars like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

A Theme of Kindness and Compassion

The focus of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, 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 expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the festive gathering.

A Steady Comeback

The royal has been undertaking her own measured re-emergence to official duties 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".

Musical Talent and Access

Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of musical tuition.

Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, 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," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to cultivate their performance abilities.

A Sisterly Duo

Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many important people," she said.

Among the guests will be representatives of different generations.

That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a youth community award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for food banks.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been decorated with custom-created holiday decorations, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them.

Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

This annual carol service will be broadcast on television on December 24th.