Catherine's Annual Christmas Service of Carols Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers

Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.

The large audience will enjoy a selection of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

Centred Around Kindness and Compassion

The theme of the service, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.

In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who established a foundation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the circumstances of individuals," wrote Catherine in a message before the carol service.

A Steady Comeback

The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, recently giving her major oration since 2023, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Musical Talent and Access

Guests arriving at the Abbey will enjoy performances from budding artists aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the late Duchess of Kent to widen access to instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be playing at the concert.

"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities.

A Family Affair

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many notable figures," she said.

Within the audience will be people from various age groups.

That will feature young Saphia Turner, nine, honouree of a young hero award, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to generate funds for community pantries.

Festive Decor and Performances

The Abbey has been festooned with handcrafted festive wreaths, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett helping to make them.

The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.