Her Royal Highness's Annual Festive Service of Carols Honours Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at the iconic London venue, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.

The large audience will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors.

Focusing on Kindness and Compassion

The focus of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.

Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who established a foundation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness.

"Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the concert.

A Gradual Return

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".

Music and Opportunity

Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to budding artists supported by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert.

"Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to develop their musical skills.

A Sisterly Duo

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who is a euphonium player, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.

Within the audience will be representatives of different generations.

That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, recipient of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to collect donations for local food charities.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design.

Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us."

This annual carol service will be televised and shown on television on December 24th.