Catherine's Traditional Christmas Musical Celebration Pays Tribute to Community Volunteers
The Princess of Wales is hosting her yearly Yuletide celebration at the iconic London venue, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas.
The large audience will enjoy a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.
A Theme of Love and Generosity
The focus of the concert, held in the candle-lit Abbey on the afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.
Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who founded an organisation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," wrote Catherine in a note prior to the festive gathering.
Carefully Paced Reappearance
The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to the public eye subsequent to her illness and medical care, recently giving her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Music and Opportunity
Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by budding artists aided by the Future Talent organisation, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been supported by the trust, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the concert.
"Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.
A Sisterly Duo
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many notable figures," she said.
Within the audience will be representatives of different generations.
That will include nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a youth community award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to collect donations for local food charities.
Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment
The Abbey has been festooned with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a Cornish sea shanty group, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the icing on the cake for us."
The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
