A Royal Magical Moment: Families visit Clarence House

Christmas is almost here again and there’s always one date we look forward to the most here at Helen & Douglas House – the visit to Clarence House for a truly festive day with Her Majesty the Queen.

This year, Her Majesty invited Faye, William, Riley and Summer along with their families and some staff members to enjoy a day full of fun and festivities at Clarence House alongside children from Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s charity. It was an incredible chance for families to meet our patron, The Queen, and experience a magical day they’ll never forget.

Families stood with Santa by the tree at Clarence House

The day started with a full festive welcome from Father Christmas. Her Majesty then welcomed them all and led them through to the library where they were greeted with a beautiful Christmas tree and a table full of decorations. The children all gathered to decorate the tree alongside Her Majesty and her Equerry, who carefully placed some of the decorations on with his sword.

11 year old Riley and his mum Shailza presented The Queen with some flowers on behalf of Helen & Douglas House. Shailza also brought along a bauble with a picture of her son, and Riley’s brother, Stanley who died at the hospice in 2023 and The Queen’s equerry carefully placed it on the tree to remember him.

Equerry putting decorations on the tree with the Queen

Once the tree was decorated, it was time for some lunch. The Queen hosted a delicious lunch of sausages and mash for the children with lots of festive treats too.

The day ended spectacularly with a wonderful performance of Christmas songs by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles while Father Christmas waited to wish them all a very Merry Christmas.

“It’s been such an exciting day. We had a lovely lunch and met the Queen. She was so great and so down to Earth. She was very empathetic. Riley was smiling and the whole day was amazing.”

– Shailza Leaver, Riley and Stanley’s mum

“Summer’s had a brilliant day at Clarence House. It’s been such a privilege that she was chosen to come and represent Helen & Douglas House. Helen & Douglas House do so much for Summer. The staff there are brilliant and to be able to come here and celebrate with some of the staff members as well was wonderful. Meeting the Queen especially has been incredible today”

– Paige Lane, Summer’s cousin and carer

“The children and families had such a magical time. Having Her Majesty The Queen as our Patron means to much to our charity as well as the families we support. It was wonderful for 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. Christmas is also a time when they 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.”