Her Royal Highness's Annual Christmas Carol Concert Honours Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with attendees featuring members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.

The 1,600 guests will hear a selection of carols, music and readings from stars like Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Focusing on Compassion and Love

The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.

In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose daughter died of a tumour, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a message before the concert.

A Gradual Return

The princess has been making her own gradual return to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Musical Talent and Access

Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the former royal to increase availability of music lessons.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the trust, with awards contributing to instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at tonight's service.

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

Generations Gathering

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 important people," she said.

Within the audience will be representatives of different generations.

That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a youth community award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to raise money for community pantries.

Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts

The Abbey has been adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by television on December 24th.