🔗 Share this article Her Royal Highness's Yearly Christmas Musical Celebration Spotlights Charity Helpers Catherine is pictured at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the festive concert. Her Royal Highness has organised her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have helped their communities. The large audience will hear a blend of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as award-winning actors. A Theme of Compassion and Love The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists backed by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at tonight's service. "Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. The musical lineup includes recording artist Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
Catherine is pictured at Westminster Abbey in preparation for the festive concert. Her Royal Highness has organised her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have helped their communities. The large audience will hear a blend of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as award-winning actors. A Theme of Compassion and Love The central message of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others. Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the concert. A Steady Comeback The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists backed by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for music lessons. An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at tonight's service. "Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to develop their musical skills. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said. Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks. Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts The Abbey has been adorned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation. The musical lineup includes recording artist Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.