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

Today, The Duchess of Cornwall continued her annual tradition of inviting children and young people from Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity to help decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree.  Her Royal Highness is Patron of both charities.

Last year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Her Royal Highness was keen to hold the event in some form, and so children and their families attended virtually. Watch a video of last year's virtual event below!

This year, however, the children were once again able to come to Clarence House, where they were greeted by Her Royal Highness and met Captain Ed Andersen of the Welsh Guards, who helped them to decorate the tree.

The children enjoyed a festive lunch in the Dining Room, and were then surprised with a special Christmas video message from Mr Tumble and a wonderful performance by the Band of the Welsh Guards.

Helen & Douglas House is a children’s hospice which cares for terminally ill children and their families in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, and provides medical, emotional and practical support. The Duchess of Cornwall has been Patron of the organisation since 2007, and this is the fifteenth year that children, their families and hospice staff have been invited to Clarence House.

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity was founded 30 years ago and provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children. It’s network of 82 Roald Dahl Nurses operate across the UK and they provide expert help and support to over 24,000 children and their families every year.  Her Royal Highness has been Patron since 2017.