The Princess of Wales's Yearly Yuletide Service of Carols Honours Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas.

The 1,600 guests will hear a blend of carols, music and readings from actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

Focusing on Love and Generosity

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

Among the guests will be a couple named the Cordiners, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who established a foundation, Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to support families who have a terminally ill child.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an extraordinary difference to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert.

A Steady Comeback

The princess has been making her own steady comeback to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, last month delivering her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".

Music and Opportunity

Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the former royal to widen access to musical tuition.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the trust, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the evening's event.

"Pursuing music is often costly," the musician remarked. She is now enrolled at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents.

A Sisterly Duo

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who performs on the brass instrument, will also be at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.

Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

That will encompass nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for community pantries.

Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment

The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett contributing to their design.

Among the musical performers will be recording artist Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the icing on the cake for us."

The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.