The Princess of Wales's Annual Christmas Service of Carols Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers

The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The sizable congregation will listen to a mix of carols, music and readings from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

A Theme of Compassion and Love

The theme of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is 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 profound impact to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a note prior to the concert.

A Steady Comeback

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to official duties subsequent to her illness and medical care, last month delivering her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Musical Talent and Access

Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to budding artists supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of musical tuition.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "incredible" to be performing at the evening's event.

"Music can be very expensive," the musician remarked. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.

Generations Gathering

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said.

Among the guests will be representatives of different generations.

That will encompass Saphia Turner, aged nine, honouree of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for community pantries.

Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts

The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design.

The musical lineup includes Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, 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 aired by a major network on Christmas Eve.