Her Royal Highness's Traditional Yuletide Service of Carols Honours Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with attendees featuring royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The sizable congregation will enjoy a mix of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as award-winning actors.

Centred Around Compassion and Love

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

Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a support fund, to help households where there is a terminally ill child.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," Her Royal Highness stated in a note prior to the concert.

A Gradual Return

The royal has been undertaking her own gradual return to public life following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her first public speech for two years, in which she reflected on recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Music and Opportunity

Attendees entering the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians backed by the Future Talent charity, set up with the help of the Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for instrumental training.

An 18-year-old named Carys Wood, who is a trumpet player and is from Wales, has been assisted by the charity, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "awesome" to be taking part in the concert.

"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to cultivate their performance abilities.

A Family Affair

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never imagined I would perform 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 young hero award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to collect donations for local food charities.

Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts

The Abbey has been decorated with specially made wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

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

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.