🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Traditional Christmas Service of Carols Spotlights Community Volunteers The Princess of Wales attends Westminster Abbey for the annual event. The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as award-winning actors. A Theme of Love and Generosity The focus of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are a couple named the Cordiners, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a message before the concert. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to public life 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". Performance and Potential Those coming to the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the evening's event. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents. A Sisterly Duo Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by television on December 24th.
The Princess of Wales attends Westminster Abbey for the annual event. The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities. The 1,600 guests will enjoy a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as award-winning actors. A Theme of Love and Generosity The focus of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are a couple named the Cordiners, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a message before the concert. A Steady Comeback The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to public life 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". Performance and Potential Those coming to the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training. Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been supported by the charity, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the evening's event. "Pursuing music is often costly," she stated. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents. A Sisterly Duo Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said. Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities. Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by television on December 24th.