The Queen welcomed a group of seriously-ill youngsters to decorate her Christmas tree today – surprising them with a visit from Santa and his reindeer, and even the State Sleigh.
Camilla, 77, threw her 20th annual party for youngsters with life-limiting conditions from Helen & Douglas House in Oxfordshire and Ronald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity at Clarence House – and declared that ‘Christmas has started’ for her.
The royal even took the children on the back of Queen Victoria‘s priceless State Sleigh and the youngsters beamed with delight.
She was greeted by Santa Claus at the foot of stairs at Clarence House – who gave her two squeaky toys 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.
Among the ten youngsters being treated to the event their families will never forget was Samuel Soremekun, six, who has sickle cell disease and autism.
On seeing Camilla he gave a deep bow then received a warm hug, and said: ‘It’s the Queen!’
Alice Robertshaw, four, who has SMA Type 1, gave the Queen a decorative jar she had made at home in Reading, Berkshire.
The Queen welcomed a group of seriously-ill youngsters to decorate her Christmas tree today – surprising them with a visit from Santa and his reindeer, and even the State Sleigh
Queen Camilla, 77, threw her 20th annual party for youngsters with life-limiting conditions at Clarence House on Thursday where she decorated a Christmas tree
Welcoming the children, the royal declared Christmas had finally begun (Camilla pictured leading the children in to the library for a Christmas meal)
The children, some in wheelchairs, then 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 in what has become another favourite tradition.
Outdoing equerry Major Ollie Plunket was also on hand to help.
Both are serving officers with her regiment, the Rifles.
Camilla then served up sausages, mash potato and peas, laid out in a smiley face, as a festive lunch for her young guests in the Library.
She even walked around carrying a gravy boat, offering it to the children and chatting to their parents and carers, who dined on dainty bowls of Christmas dinner and champagne.
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 their royal host he expressed ‘heartfelt gratitude’ for inviting children to Clarence House for 20 years.
The Queen was greeted by Santa Claus at the foot of stairs at Clarence House – who gave her two squeaky toys for her pet dogs Moley and Bluebell which delighted the royal
Camilla chatted with Zeb (pictured) as they enjoyed a ride on the royal sleigh accompanied by Father Christmas
Camilla served up sausages, mash potato and peas, laid out in a smiley face, as a festive lunch for her young guests in the Library – even going round with a gravy boar herself
The royal gifted Zeb a book called The Guard’s House as an early Christmas gift and he seemed delighted
The Queen pictured waving at photographers as children climb in to the royal sleigh in the gardens of Clarence House
Camilla helped Dolce hang a decoration on the impressive tree at the foot of the grand staircase in Clarence House
Incoming equerry to the Queen Major Rob Treasure (pictured) helped out for the first time using his sword to place the decorations selected by the children on to the branches
In the garden, the children were greeted by reindeer Blitzen and Dancer alongside a jolly Sanata Clause and were invited to feed them lichen
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 and were invited to feed them lichen.
They also had the chance to sit with Camilla in the back of the State Sleigh.
The sleigh was designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria and used for their family outings.
It was recently restored for the Germany State Visit.