The Queen invites children to decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree

Her Majesty welcomed children and their families supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity – two charities of which The Queen is Patron – for a memorable time of Christmas cheer, at Clarence House on Thursday 11th December. 

The children joined Her Majesty in decorating the Christmas tree - a festive tradition now in its 20th year – and enjoyed a special visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer. 

Helen House was the world's first children's hospice when it opened in 1982. The charity cares for local terminally ill children and their families from Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. It provides 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 Majesty, as The Duchess of Cornwall, became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is on a mission to ensure every seriously ill child who lives with a lifelong health condition is supported by a Roald Dahl Nurse. These extraordinary Roald Dahl Nurses provide a personalised, bespoke and holistic ‘make things happen’ kind of care which transforms families' lives. 

Currently over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses are working in NHS Trusts across the UK. Together they care for over 40,000 children, getting to know each family and helping them navigate their complex healthcare journey at home and in the hospital. The Queen has been Patron of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity since 2017. 

As an extra special treat - Her Majesty arranged for the State Sleigh to be brought to Clarence House!