Tell me about…Queen Camilla’s annual Christmas party

Severely ill children get to meet Father Christmas at Clarence House

It has become one of Queen Camilla’s festive traditions to host a Christmas party at Clarence House for severely ill children. Queen Camilla invites children who receive support from two of her Patronages, Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Queen Camilla has been hosting this heartfelt gathering since 2006, making it a cornerstone of her holiday calendar for over a decade.

Queen Camilla hosts severely ill children at Clarence House for a Christmas party.

Queen Camilla hosts severely ill children at Clarence House for a Christmas party. (Royal Family)

What happens at Queen Camilla’s Christmas party?

The annual event typically starts with guests gathering in a Room at Clarence House.

The highlight of the event is the decoration of the Christmas tree in the Morning Room. The Queen, accompanied by her Equerry, guides the children in hanging ornaments on the tree. In a delightful tradition, the Equerry uses his ceremonial sword to place decorations on the higher branches, including the star at the top of the tree.

Once the tree is adorned, everyone enjoys a festive lunch, personally served by Queen Camilla. The menu typically features comforting dishes such as sausages and mashed potatoes.

Queen Camilla welcomes reindeer as part of the festive tradition.

Queen Camilla welcomes reindeer as part of the festive tradition. (Royal Family)

After a bite to eat, Queen Camilla leads the children and their parents outside, where they get the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and his reindeer and are often treated to a musical performance. Previous Christmas events have seen the Band of the Welsh Guards and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles perform.

Speaking at the event in 2019, Queen Camilla said ‘I want to thank all of you – the parents, the nurses, the carers – and most of all these wonderful children. I know sometimes it’s not easy, but to see [the children] all today here and looking so happy it’s a real treat for me and I look forward to it every year.’

Tell me about the Patronages of Queen Camilla who attend her Christmas party?

Helen & Douglas House

is the world’s first children’s hospice when it opened in 1982, Helen & Douglas House cares for terminally ill children and their families from Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. They provide medical, emotional and practical support, helping families deal with the implications of living with a child who will die prematurely, so they can make the most of their time together.

Queen Camilla assists Meriel with a decoration during the Christmas party

The Duchess of Cornwall assists Meriel with a decoration (Clarence House)

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children with some of the most complex health conditions in the UK. The children they support often have multiple conditions, which require lifelong specialist care. Over 120 Roald Dahl Nurses currently support more than 33,000 seriously ill children. The dedication and expertise of Roald Dahl Nurses reduces waiting times, A&E visits, and hospital admissions. They are also a vital lifeline for the whole family, coordinating care and providing the highest level of emotional support.

Queen Camilla’s Christmas party is more than a festive gathering; it is a symbol of her enduring commitment to spreading happiness and providing support to children and families facing extraordinary challenges. The event is a testament to the power of community and celebration, embodying the true spirit of the festive season.

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