Camilla and her little Christmas helpers
THE Duchess of Cornwall threw open the doors to Clarence House yesterday and invited some extra-special guests to decorate her Christmas tree.
Camilla was hosting her annual party for seriously and terminally ill children from two charities she supports – and the youngsters couldn’t have had a more magical time. Not only were there decorations to hang and a festive feast, the royal even invited two reindeers to meet the children.
The duchess got the giggles when one animal decided to make a break for freedom in the gardens. Looking up at the house where her husband, the Prince of Wales, was working, Camilla laughed and said mischievously: ‘I hope the window isn’t open!’
Some of the guests were from Helen & Douglas House hospice, which cares for terminally ill children and their families. They were joined by youngsters from Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which supports a network of more than 70 specialist nurses across the UK.
Camilla, in a festive red Bruce Oldfield dress, greeted the children personally – including Meriel Park, 11, who has a rare neuromuscular condition. The duchess couldn’t resist a chuckle when she was introduced to the youngster’s parents – Charles and Camilla Park.
Captain Charlie Ross, Camilla’s equerry, left the guests open-mouthed as he carefully placed an ornament on the tree with his sword. As well as laying on a spread of sweet treats, Camilla also helped serve up a plate of sausages and mash for each of her young guests. She told them all: ‘To me this is the start of Christmas, I never really think about it until I’m in front of my Christmas tree with you all.’