The Princess of Wales's Annual Yuletide Carol Concert Honours Charity Helpers

The Princess of Wales is hosting her annual Yuletide celebration at Westminster Abbey, with guests including dignitaries, stars, and everyday helpers who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.

The sizable congregation will listen to a mix of carols, music and readings from stars like award-winning actors.

Centred Around Love and Generosity

The central message of the service, held in the candle-lit Abbey on Friday afternoon, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

In the audience are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, a support fund, to support families who have a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"The dedication, empathy, and kindness you show, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a message before the concert.

Carefully Paced Reappearance

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own measured re-emergence to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she discussed recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".

Musical Talent and Access

Those coming to the Abbey will enjoy performances from talented youth performers supported by the Future Talent organisation, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to increase availability of musical tuition.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be performing at the evening's event.

"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "everyone should have the opportunity" to hone their artistic talents.

A Family Affair

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who is a euphonium player, will also be 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 representatives of different generations.

That will encompass Saphia Turner, aged nine, winner of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for food banks.

Festive Decor and Performances

The Abbey has been festooned with custom-created holiday decorations, with celebrity baker Mary Berry and floral designer Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Among the musical performers will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

This annual carol service will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.