Catherine's Yearly Christmas Musical Celebration Pays Tribute to Charity Helpers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities.

The 1,600 guests will hear a selection of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

Centred Around Compassion and Love

The theme of the service, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

Among the guests will be a couple named the Cordiners, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a message before the carol service.

Carefully Paced Reappearance

The princess has been making her own steady comeback to the public eye after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".

Musical Talent and Access

Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the former royal to broaden opportunities for instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the trust, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the concert.

"Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.

A Sisterly Duo

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many important people," she said.

Within the audience will be people from various age groups.

That will encompass nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for local food charities.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett helping to make them.

Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by television on December 24th.