The Duchess of Cornwall invites children to decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree

Keen to continue her annual tradition this December, The Duchess of Cornwall has had a little virtual help from children supported by Helen & Douglas House Hospice to decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree.

Each year, Her Royal Highness invites children with life-shortening conditions to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. Due to the pandemic, this year it took place virtually over video link.

Helen & Douglas House is the world's first children's hospice which opened in 1982. Helen & Douglas House cares for local 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.

Her Royal Highness has been Patron of the charity since 2007.

Taking direction from the children over the call, Assistant Equerry, Captain Charlie Ross, carefully decorated the tree with personalised baubles, which feature the names of each child taking part.

Her Royal Highness also arranged for the children to receive a special Christmas goody bag from Buckingham Palace – including a toy corgi, a guardsman Christmas decoration, a crown-topped pencil, stickers and a book by Charlie Mackesy.

The bags were whisked away after the call by the Royal Brougham, before magically arriving at each of their homes.