🔗 Share this article The Princess of Wales's Yearly Festive Musical Celebration Spotlights Charity Helpers The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the iconic London venue, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will listen to a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. A Theme of Love and Generosity The theme of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Musical Talent and Access Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists supported by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the evening's event. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them. Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at Westminster Abbey for the annual event. Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the iconic London venue, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas. The 1,600 guests will listen to a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. A Theme of Love and Generosity The theme of the event, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour. In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition. "The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert. Carefully Paced Reappearance The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers". Musical Talent and Access Attendees entering the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists supported by the Future Talent organisation, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of musical tuition. Carys Wood, aged 18, who plays the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the evening's event. "Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to cultivate their performance abilities. A Family Affair Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said. Within the audience will be individuals spanning multiple eras. That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for local food charities. Festive Decor and Performances The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them. Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us." The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.