Catherine's Annual Christmas Musical Celebration Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The large audience will enjoy a selection of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as award-winning actors.

A Theme of Kindness and Compassion

The central message of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.

Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a message before the festive gathering.

Carefully Paced Reappearance

The princess has been making her own steady comeback to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she discussed recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Music and Opportunity

Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians backed by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of music lessons.

An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "incredible" to be taking part in the concert.

"Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to develop their musical skills.

A Sisterly Duo

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many important people," she said.

Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for community pantries.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the perfect culmination."

The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.