Her Majesty The Queen hosted a magical Christmas visit at Clarence House on Thursday 11th December, for five children and their families who are cared for by Helen & Douglas House. The children, aged from 3-13, all went to Clarence House with their parents or carers accompanied by David Whittingham, our CEO and other hospice staff.
Her Majesty, as The Duchess of Cornwall, became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007 and this will be the 18th time that families supported by the charity, along with hospice staff, have been invited to decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree.
The magical day started with a surprise visit from Father Christmas and Her Majesty welcomed the children and their families individually, leading them through to the library where there was a beautiful Christmas tree and table full of decorations for the children to take turns to decorate the tree.
As an extra surprise the families were treated to a wonderful performance of Christmas songs by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles outside where they also met Santa’s in his sleigh and his reindeer.
David Whittingham, our CEO said: “The children and families had such a magical time. Having Her Majesty The Queen as our Patron means so much to our charity as well as the families we support. It was wonderful for some of the families we care for to be able to visit Clarence House again this Christmas. Christmas can be a difficult time for these families, juggling the medical needs of their children with life-shortening conditions with the festivities. It is one of our busiest times of the year caring for over 71 children over the Christmas period. Christmas is also a time when families can make precious memories during their child’s short life which they will treasure forever, and this will certainly be a magical moment that they will always remember.”
