Today, the Duchess Of Cornwall displayed her festive side as she invited seriously ill children into Clarence House to enjoy a magical Christmas treat.
Camilla, 74, sported a white coat dress, her signature black boots and fetching owl broach as she opened the doors of her London home to ten excited youngsters from Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.
Children were welcome to decorate the Christmas tree and to enjoy sausages and mashing lunch – prepared by the queen herself. They also got to hear festive music by the Band of the Welsh Guards.
A very special surprise was provided by Mr Tumble, a children’s TV star. There were also royally approved goodie bags to bring home.
For 16 years, the duchess hosted the holiday gathering. However, lockdown meant that she was unable to attend the event last December.
Today, the Duchess of Cornwall showed that she was open to receiving seriously ill children at Clarence House today for a magical Christmas treat. The Duchess of Cornwall is seen helping a small boy put on a bearkin
The star was raised! Camilla received some help from Captian Ed Andresen, Welsh Guards, to place star on the top of her tree
They decided this year to proceed in person with it again after consulting with charity representatives. This was done under strict Covid protocols, which included lateral flow tests.
Camilla said, “It wasn’t as good without you,” and she smiled at Camilla when the doors were opened. The children came in one by one.
According to her, it was magical for them to be here. This was an extraordinary, unique event. It is the best day of my life.
The first was Nathan Best. Nathan picked a decoration and placed it on his sword before being greeted by his equerry Captain Edward Andersen from the Welsh Guards.
The duchess was wearing a beautiful cream gown and said, “This is Ed here.”
“He will help you decorate your tree. He might even let you borrow his bearskin if you’re really polite.
For 16 years, the duchess hosted the holiday gathering. However, she was disappointed that it had to stop last December because of lockdown.
They decided this year to proceed with it personally again after consulting with charity representatives. This was in strict Covid protocol that included lateral flow tests and tight Covid protocols for all parties.
The Duchess and Captian Ed Andresen from the Welsh Guards assist the Duchess of Cornwall in decorating the Clarence House Christmas Tree.
Nathan from Bambury in Oxfordshire suffers with Prader-Willi Syndrome and other complex medical conditions. He placed the first ornament on himself, then watched attentively as Captain Andersen attempted to put his decorations on him. “This one is tricky!” He laughed.
Oscar Richards (seven years old), who has severe epilepsy and shyly requested to wear Captain Andresen’s bearskin.
Camilla eagerly took it from Oscar’s headband, and put it on Oscar.
“Is it quite heavy?” she asked. “Is that quite heavy?” she inquired. “There we are!”
Ahuoyiza Okino (10), a sickle cell patient, was at Roald Dahl with Elizabeth Joshua-John. Elizabeth wanted to do more and so she asked Elizabeth to borrow Captain Andersen’s sword.
Camilla and he carefully followed Camilla to the tree. Camilla replied, “Ooh, be careful! There you are!”
Camilla spotted another boy looking at the bearskin and introduced him to her equerry.
The children were greeted by her equerry, Captain Edward Andersen of the Welsh Guards, resplendent in his bearskin, who invited the first child, Nathan Best, ten to pick a decoration, before placing it on his sword and attempting to place it on the tree. Below are Camilla’s guests.
Camilla made sure to hand out food as children finished eating. After the meal, Camilla’s private secretary told guests she had an unexpected surprise. It was a personal video message by Mr Tumble (children’s television icon)
The Queen’s Guard is ready! Camila assisted a small boy in trying on a beaver skin – the helmet worn daily by the Queen’s Guard.
“It’s very hot there, isn’t? She replied.
Another child, who wanted their decorations on the tree by themselves, also made fun of Captain Andersen. He was shocked to hear that she had declined her offer. “No surprise, he has seen my work!” The solder responded.
The children were then invited to the dining area for sausages, mash and sweet treats.
Camilla made sure to pass out plates as children were eating.
Their guests were then informed by her private secretary that there was a special surprise. It was a personalized video message from the television icon Mr Tumble.
As a video played on the screen, they looked goggly-eyed and began to laugh at each other’s antics. Before long, they were recorded wishing him a happy Christmas.
Her Royal Highness became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007. Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is her patron, providing specialist nursing and support to seriously ill children.
The Duchess and Captian Ed Andresen from the Welsh Guards assist the Duchess Cornwall in decorating the Clarence House Christmas Tree.
Camilla addressed the children by saying, “I wanted to tell you how glad I am that we are here today. Having missed out on last year, as you know I did it on Zoom…but the joy of getting you all back again this year is wonderful.
“I was not sure it would happen at times but I am glad you all came.” It was just my sincere wish to you all, and I am able to offer to perform to you the song that he performed last year to me at Zoom.
After taking Nathan Best by his arm, she helped him up to his feet.
‘Brilliant!’ Camilla before Nathan gifted her a bouquet.
Clare Periton, CEO of Helen & Douglas House, a children’s hospice in Oxfordshire, told the duchess: ‘On behalf of both of the charities we are so pleased to be here. It is something special that will make memories for our children. Thank you for your hospitality, your generosity. We have had an awful 18-months, and you are a bright star. I am grateful.
Afterward, Ms. Periton spoke out saying that it was hard to believe they are all here. Ms. Periton said that she was still wondering “is this possible?” The children being able to attend the event in person was truly special. This is all about creating memories for the children. This is a special moment that they’ll cherish and will carry them through any difficult time.
The last 18 months were so hard and lonely for this family. The family has lost most of the support networks they had through shielding. They were so happy to have the opportunity to meet other families that had experienced similar losses.
“We took every precaution to make sure they had a happy and safe day.”
Nathan claimed that the star of the day was Nathan. Stuart Best stated that the day had been an ‘exciting day’, and Jenny Best explained that it had been a “highlight in difficult years”.
It has been very difficult and lonely. After nine months of protection, we were all given Covid. We had prepared ourselves for the worst. Nathan overcame all of our fears. It is an absolute joy to be with him. He is so grateful for the hospice’s respite care.
“We cannot thank you enough, duchess,” we said. This has been a great experience.
Helen & Douglas House was the world’s first children’s hospice when it opened in 1982 and cares for local terminally ill children and their families from Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.
These support families with premature babies by providing medical, emotional, and practical assistance. They help them deal with the consequences of having a baby die young, and allow them to make the best of the time they have together.
Her Royal Highness became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007.
Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity has her as a patron. This charity provides support and specialist nurses for children who are seriously ill.
There are 82 Roald Dahl nurses in the UK that provide assistance and support for over 24,000 children every year.