The Queen invites children to decorate the Clarence House Christmas Tree

The Queen has continued her annual tradition of inviting children, supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. 

The children and their families enjoyed musical performances by The Band and Bugles of The Rifles and received a special surprise visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer!

Helen & Douglas House

The world's first children's hospice when it opened in 1982, Helen & Douglas House cares for 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.

As The Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007 and this will be the eighteenth time that families supported by the charity, along with hospice staff, have been invited to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. 

Visit www.helenanddouglas.org.uk for more information.

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children with some of the most complex health conditions in the UK. The children they support often have multiple conditions, which require lifelong specialist care. 

Over 120 Roald Dahl Nurses currently support more than 33,000 seriously ill children. The dedication and expertise of Roald Dahl Nurses reduces waiting times, A&E visits, and hospital admissions. They are also a vital lifeline for the whole family, coordinating care and providing the highest level of emotional support.

Discover more at www.roalddahlcharity.org.