An annual event in The Duchess of Cornwall’s calendar is decorating the Clarence House Christmas tree, and today, children from her patronages, including the sick children, helped with the task.
Camilla enlisted the help of youngsters to deck out the fir tree in the Library, a tradition she began eight years ago. The children and their families are supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity,
Helen & Douglas House is an Oxford-based charity which provides respite support and end-of-life care, while Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity helps children with serious illnesses.
The festive gathering also includes a lunch for the guests in the dining room, which the Duchess helps serve. Sausages and mash was on the menu, with some treats – heart-shaped iced cookies and chocolate biscuits – and a goody bag of palace gift shop items.
Camilla chatted to her guests before picking out decorations with the little ones – one had been practising her curtsey.
Video: Neive Trainor, six, had been practicing her curtesy for the Duchess of Cornwall @ClarenceHouse. Didn’t she carry it off beautifully? pic.twitter.com/VMsTTrKuoa
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) December 14, 2016
Adding decorations to the tree certainly put a smile on Camilla’s face, and many of the children’s too. The Duchess was overheard asking: “Do you want me to put it there? Are you sure it’s there?”
One of the tallest Welsh Guardsmen traditionally helps to put the star on top of the tree with his sword.
LOOK INSIDE CLARENCE HO– USE – PRINCE CHARLES AND CAMILLA’S HOME
She said: “It’s always a joy having you all and I hope everyone enjoys the bangers and mash.”
Video: No pressure Matthew! Assistant equerry & Welsh Guardsman Captain Matthew Wright places a decoration on with his sword @ClarenceHouse pic.twitter.com/uiXBWzxr76
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) December 14, 2016
