The Queen has turned her Clarence House home into a Christmas grotto for poorly children to enjoy.
Youngsters with life-shortening conditions and severe illnesses supported by the organisations Helen and Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity enjoyed a fun-filled visit to the royal residence.
Camilla hosted her annual event for the two charities she supports as patron, inviting Father Christmas to present gifts to the young guests who were joined by family members.
The lunchtime event saw the kids sit down to a meal of bangers and mash and the Queen walked around the table serving the children their food and even poured the gravy.
The Queen admired the James Bond-style outfit of Lenny Willans-Jobson, telling the five-year-old, who wore a bow tie, black suit and stylish loafers, “you look very smart”.
“Everybody’s in love with him. He’s loved all the attention.”
Father Christmas handed out the presents to the children, helped by the Queen, and when he first arrived told her “I’ve got news for you, you’re on the good list again,” and Camilla replied “I’m delighted”.
Camilla helped the children pick their favourite items and she turned to her equerry and joked “how’s the sword play going Ollie?”.
After the meal, the Queen praised the two “fantastic” charities and described how the event always marked the beginning of the festive period.
“As I always say every year it’s the start of Christmas for me and I’m sure a lot of others who come here every year.”
