Her Royal Highness's Annual Festive Service of Carols Honours Community Volunteers
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual festive musical service at the iconic London venue, with attendees featuring members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities.
The 1,600 guests will listen to a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as award-winning actors.
Focusing on Love and Generosity
The theme of the service, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a message before the festive gathering.
A Gradual Return
The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Music and Opportunity
Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of music lessons.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the charity, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in tonight's service.
"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to develop their musical skills.
Generations Gathering
Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, 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 encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, honouree of a young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for local food charities.
Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts
The Abbey has been decorated 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 singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us."
The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.
