The Princess of Wales's Yearly Yuletide Musical Celebration Spotlights Unsung Heroes

Her Royal Highness has organised her annual Yuletide celebration at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The 1,600 guests will hear a blend of carols, music and readings from performers including award-winning actors.

A Theme of Kindness and Compassion

The focus of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.

In the audience are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to support families who have a terminally ill child.

"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a message before the carol service.

A Steady Comeback

The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to official duties subsequent to her illness and medical care, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".

Musical Talent and Access

Those coming to the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the Future Talent organisation, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons.

Carys Wood, aged 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been helped by the trust, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be taking part in the concert.

"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.

A Sisterly Duo

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

Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

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

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett helping to make them.

Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "a dream come true."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.