Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her yearly festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have made a difference in their neighbourhoods.
The sizable congregation will listen to a selection of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from actors such as award-winning actors.
Focusing on Love and Generosity
The theme of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.
Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a tumour, and who established a foundation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a child with a terminal illness.
"Your efforts, love, and understanding, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the concert.
A Steady Comeback
The princess has been making her own gradual return to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she discussed recognising the "selfless, commonly overlooked efforts of carers".
Music and Opportunity
Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to young musicians backed by the charitable trust Future Talent, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of music lessons.
Carys Wood, aged 18, who performs on the trumpet and is from southwest Wales, has been supported by the charity, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert.
"Music can be very expensive," she stated. She is now enrolled at the renowned conservatoire, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.
A Family Affair
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many distinguished guests," she said.
Within the audience will be representatives of different generations.
That will include young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a prize for youthful altruism, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for food banks.
Seasonal Ambiance and Entertainment
The Abbey has been decorated with custom-created holiday decorations, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.
The musical lineup includes singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a Cornish sea shanty group, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the opportunity to perform was "the perfect culmination."
The Together at Christmas carol concert will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
