The Princess of Wales's Yearly Christmas Musical Celebration Honours Unsung Heroes

Her Royal Highness has organised her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The large audience will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

A Theme of Kindness and Compassion

The theme of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.

Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the carol service.

A Steady Comeback

The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Performance and Potential

Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to budding artists supported by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "incredible" to be playing at the concert.

"Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.

Generations Gathering

Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said.

Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

That will encompass Saphia Turner, aged nine, recipient of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to generate funds for local food charities.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been festooned with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.