The Princess of Wales's Traditional Yuletide Musical Celebration Honours Unsung Heroes

Her Royal Highness has organised her customary Christmas carol concert at the historic Abbey, with guests including members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas.

The large audience will hear a selection of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including award-winning actors.

Focusing on Compassion and Love

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

Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a child with a terminal illness.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an profound impact to the circumstances of individuals," Her Royal Highness stated in a letter ahead of the carol service.

Carefully Paced Reappearance

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own steady comeback to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Music and Opportunity

Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent organisation, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons.

Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the trust, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at tonight's service.

"Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now a student at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents.

A Family Affair

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who is a euphonium player, will likewise attend the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.

Attending the service will be people from various age groups.

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

Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts

The Abbey has been adorned with specially made wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them.

Taking to the stage will be recording artist Katie Melua, choristers from Westminster Abbey and a nautical singing ensemble, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the perfect culmination."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.