The Princess of Wales's Annual Yuletide Service of Carols Spotlights Community Volunteers

Her Royal Highness has organised her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.

The large audience will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from performers including Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

A Theme of Love and Generosity

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

In the audience are a couple named the Cordiners, whose daughter died of a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness.

"Your efforts, love, and understanding, often discreetly and without words, and without any expectation or recognition, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a note prior to the festive gathering.

A Gradual Return

The princess has been making her own measured re-emergence to official duties after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she discussed recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Music and Opportunity

Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers backed by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the late Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for music lessons.

An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who plays the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been assisted by the charity, with grants helping towards equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the evening's event.

"Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now studying at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to develop their musical skills.

Generations Gathering

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who is a euphonium player, will be present at the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.

Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

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

Festive Decor and Performances

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

Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers 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 broadcast on a major network on Christmas Eve.