The Princess of Wales's Annual Christmas Service of Carols Pays Tribute to Unsung Heroes
The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have supported their local areas.
The large audience will hear a blend of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors.
A Theme of Compassion and Love
The focus of the concert, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.
Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to aid parents with a terminally ill child.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a letter ahead of the carol service.
A Steady Comeback
The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to public life following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Performance and Potential
Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to talented youth performers supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of music lessons.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the organisation, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the evening's event.
"Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to develop their musical skills.
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 distinguished guests," she said.
Attending the service will be people from various age groups.
That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for food banks.
Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment
The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
Among the musical performers will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination."
This annual carol service will be aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.
