Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual festive musical service at the historic Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.
The sizable congregation will hear a selection of festive songs, musical performances, and spoken word pieces from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
A Theme of Compassion and Love
The theme of the service, held in the glowing Westminster Abbey on Friday, is compassion and demonstrating care for others.
Among the guests will be Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose young girl was lost to a brain tumour, and who set up a charity, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with a terminally ill child.
"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an profound impact to the well-being of people," the Princess expressed in a message before the festive gathering.
A Gradual Return
The royal has been undertaking her own steady comeback to public life after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, recently giving her major oration since 2023, in which she reflected on recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".
Musical Talent and Access
Guests arriving at the Abbey will be entertained by young musicians aided by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition.
Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with grants helping towards musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert.
"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," the musician remarked. She is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to hone their artistic talents.
A Family Affair
Her younger sibling Eliza, aged 11, who is a euphonium player, will likewise attend the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many notable figures," she said.
Attending the service will be individuals spanning multiple eras.
That will encompass nine-year-old Saphia Turner, honouree of a youth community award, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to collect donations for food banks.
Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts
The Abbey has been festooned 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 singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true."
This annual carol service will be televised and shown on a major network on Christmas Eve.
