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Queen Camilla hosts festive Christmas lunch for ill children

Dec 11, 2025, 5:30 PM20
(Update: Dec 11, 2025, 9:56 PM)
Danish badminton player
British writer and poet (1916–1990)
official residence of king Charles III, and his wife Camilla

Queen Camilla hosts festive Christmas lunch for ill children

  • Every year, Queen Camilla hosts a Christmas lunch for children supported by two charities: Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity.
  • During the event, children participated in decorating a Christmas tree and received gifts from Santa, creating a festive atmosphere.
  • This tradition symbolizes the Queen's commitment to bringing joy and support to families facing serious health challenges.
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Story

On December 11, 2025, Queen Camilla opened the doors of Clarence House in London to seriously ill children as she transformed her home into a festive winter wonderland. This special event featured children from the charities Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, who were invited to celebrate the holiday season. During the traditional Christmas lunch, the Queen served the children bangers and mash while engaging with them warmly, sharing her excitement about the holiday spirit that unfolds each year at this gathering. She expressed her gratitude for these charities, labeling them as life-savers for the children and their families. The event also included delightful activities as children participated in decorating a Christmas tree alongside the Queen's equerry, Major Ollie Plunket, and his successor, Major Rob Treasure. The young guests were involved in picking out ornaments for the tree, which were delicately placed on the branches using swords by the two equerries. After lunch, the children were thrilled to receive gifts from Santa Claus, and moments later, they enjoyed the sight of reindeers being fed moss by their handlers. The laughter and joy amongst the children echoed within the residence as they sat alongside the Queen on a historical sled designed by Prince Albert in 1842, symbolizing the festive cheer. The special Christmas party is an annual tradition for Queen Camilla, who takes pride in bringing joy to children with life-shortening conditions. One particular guest, six-year-old Samuel Soremekun, who has sickle cell disease and autism, expressed his excitement about meeting the Queen, exclaiming, "It's the Queen, It's the Queen!" His infectious enthusiasm was a highlight of the day. During the event, Queen Camilla took time to converse with each child, encouraging them and sharing kind words as a means of uplifting their spirits amidst their difficult circumstances. In addition to celebrating the holiday, this event aims to raise awareness about the contributions of the organizations involved and the essential services they provide to families with critically ill children. As patrons of these charities, Queen Camilla hopes to shine a light on the incredible work they do. Year after year, this event not only marks the beginning of the festive season for the Queen, but it also creates cherished memories for the children and families involved, making them feel loved and supported in their challenges.

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