🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Traditional Yuletide Service of Carols Honours Charity Helpers Catherine is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas. The sizable congregation will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the service, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. Attending the event are a couple named the Cordiners, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a note prior to the carol service. Carefully Paced Reappearance The Princess of Wales is continuing her own steady comeback to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey can listen to young musicians backed by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the evening's event. "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. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, honouree of a youth community award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for community pantries. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Among the musical performers will be Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." This annual carol service will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.
Catherine is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the carol service. The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas. The sizable congregation will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Centred Around Kindness and Compassion The focus of the service, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday, is kindness and showing love to others. Attending the event are a couple named the Cordiners, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a note prior to the carol service. Carefully Paced Reappearance The Princess of Wales is continuing her own steady comeback to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Music and Opportunity Those coming to the Abbey can listen to young musicians backed by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the evening's event. "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. A Family Affair Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, honouree of a youth community award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for community pantries. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design. Among the musical performers will be Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true." This annual carol service will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.