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

The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have helped their communities.

The large audience will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors.

A Theme of Love and Generosity

The central message of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who established a foundation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"Your efforts, love, and understanding, often without fanfare or recognition, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the festive gathering.

A Steady Comeback

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own steady comeback to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".

Music and Opportunity

Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to budding artists backed by the Future Talent charity, co-founded by the former royal to increase availability of instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been helped by the organisation, with awards contributing to equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in tonight's service.

"Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities.

A Family Affair

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many important people," she said.

Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

That will include nine-year-old Saphia Turner, winner of a youth community award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to generate funds for local food charities.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been decorated with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett contributing to their design.

Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination."

The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.