Her Royal Highness's Annual Yuletide Service of Carols Honours Charity Helpers
The Princess of Wales is hosting her customary festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The sizable congregation will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Focusing on Compassion and Love
The central message of the event, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on the afternoon, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
Among the guests will be Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.
"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the well-being of people," wrote Catherine in a message before the festive gathering.
A Gradual Return
The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to official duties subsequent to her illness and medical care, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".
Musical Talent and Access
Those coming to the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to widen access to music lessons.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from Wales, has been helped by the trust, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the concert.
"Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now a student at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities.
Generations Gathering
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 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 distinguished guests," she said.
Attending the service will be representatives of different generations.
That will feature Saphia Turner, aged nine, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who creates and sells art and completes fundraising tasks to collect donations for community pantries.
Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts
The Abbey has been decorated with custom-created holiday decorations, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett helping to make them.
Among the musical performers will be singer Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "the icing on the cake for us."
The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by television on December 24th.