The Princess of Wales's Annual Festive Service of Carols Honours Community Volunteers

Her Royal Highness has organised her customary festive musical service at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising royals, celebrities and local heroes who have supported their local areas.

The sizable congregation will enjoy a selection of carols, music and readings from actors such as Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Focusing on Love and Generosity

The focus of the service, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

Attending the event are a couple named the Cordiners, whose daughter died of a brain cancer, and who established a foundation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to aid parents with 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 remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a note prior to the concert.

Carefully Paced Reappearance

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own gradual return to the public eye following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her initial major address in two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Performance and Potential

Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to young musicians supported by the charitable trust Future Talent, co-founded by the Duchess of Kent to increase availability of instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from Pembrokeshire, has been supported by the organisation, with funding assisting with musical instruments, lessons and travel costs - and she said it was "amazing" to be performing at the concert.

"Musical pursuits are frequently pricey," Carys said. She is now studying at the prestigious music academy, and added that "all people deserve the chance" 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. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said.

Within the audience will be people from various age groups.

That will encompass young Saphia Turner, 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 adorned with custom-created holiday decorations, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Taking to the stage will be singer Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a nautical singing ensemble, Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true."

This annual carol service will be broadcast on television on December 24th.