Queen Camilla has kicked off the festive season as she threw a festive party at Clarence House for children that are struggling with serious illnesses
The Queen declared Christmas has started as she threw a festive party for seriously ill children at Clarence House. Camilla, 77, took youngsters on the back of Queen Victoria’s State Sleigh with reindeer, handed out presents and served up lunch during the annual party.
It was the 20th year she has hosted a festive bash at Clarence House for children with life limiting health conditions. She was greeted by Santa Claus at the foot of stairs at Clarence House – who gave her two squeaky toy for her pet dogs. After handing over the gifts Santa said: “It was presents for Moley and Bluebell from Mrs Claus. As there is nothing you can buy for the Queen.”
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Camilla hosted ten children, and their parents, who are being cared for by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity into Clarence House.
Samuel Soremekun, 6, who has sickle cell disease and autism, saw Camilla and gave a deep bow then received a warm hug, and said: “It’s the Queen!” Alice Robertshaw, 4, who has SMA Type 1, gave the Queen a decorative jar she had made at home in Reading.
The children, some in wheelchairs, helped decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree in what is now an annual tradition. Incoming equerry to the Queen Major Rob Treasure helped out for the first time using his sword to place the decorations selected by the children on to the branches.
Outgoing equerry Major Ollie Plunkett was also on hand to help. Camilla served up sausages, mash potato and peas, laid out in a smiley face as a festive lunch for her young guests, and walked around carrying a gravy boat.
David Whittingham, chief executive of Helen and Douglas House gave an after-lunch speech saying the annual festive party was a “celebration of community, kindness and hope”.
Addressing the royal host he expressed “heartfelt gratitude” for inviting children to Clarence House for 20 years. In an off-the-cuff speech, Camilla said: “I say this every year, to me it’s the start of Christmas. I haven’t really got my head round it until I come here and I realise it’s about to happen.
“But it’s so lovely to have you all every year and I’m so proud to be patron of two such wonderful charities. I know they do so much for the children and of course for the parents. I know they’re literally lifesavers. So I’m thrilled to see you all again and I wish you all a very, very happy Christmas. And we’ve got another treat outside.”
In the garden, the children were greeted by reindeer Blitzen and Dancer. They then had the chance to sit with Camilla in the back of the State Sleigh, which was designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria and used for their family outings and recently restored for the Germany State Visit.
