News
The Duchess invites guests from Helen & Douglas House to help decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House
18th December 2007
The Duchess of Cornwall invited children and young people from Helen & Douglas House to Clarence House to help decorate the Christmas tree today.
Her Royal Highness is Patron of Helen & Douglas House, a registered charity providing respite and end of life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family.
The two hospice houses are bright, vibrant and positive places, where the emphasis is on living life to the full, even when that life may be short.
Children can stay at Helen House and young adults can stay at Douglas House, along with their families, for short periods of time for rest and recuperation, treatment of distressing symptoms, end of life care and support.
The Duchess of Cornwall visited the hospice in July and extended the invitation to join her at Clarence House to help decorate the Christmas tree.
The 12 specially invited guests joined The Duchess in hanging red and gold decorations on the green 9ft fir, assisted by Welsh Guard Captain James Larner, who was wearing a tall bearskin hat and gold braided red uniform.
The Duchess met 10-year-old Ross Pike, from Bozeat, Northamptonshire, and admired his shiny red trainers.
"I like your shoes. They're very smart. Were they an early Christmas present?" The Duchess asked.
Ross, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, said afterwards that he was delighted to be invited to Clarence House, adding: "It's exciting. She was very nice."
Capt Larner helped the guests hang tassels, stars and baubles on the tree, using his ceremonial sword.
The Duchess was presented with a teddy bear by Dean Anderson.
The 26-year-old, from Chigwell, Essex, has a genetic condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa which causes blistering of the skin.
The Duchess told Mr Anderson that she would give the cuddly bear to her two month-old granddaughter.
Mr Anderson said afterwards: "She said she would give it to her granddaughter. I told her I just passed my driving test and she asked if it was the first time.”
The Duchess also met Ingrid Warren, 30, from Oxford, who she was first introduced to during her visit to the hospice in the summer.
Ms Warren said: "I had just had a kidney transplant then and she saw me in isolation. She talked about how well I was looking today.
"It's an experience to be here. It's something I couldn't have done if I wasn't at Douglas House."
The guests also joined The Duchess for mince pies and cakes.
Sister Frances Ritchie, who founded the hospice which provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, said: "It was the most lovely surprise to be invited here.
“We're so delighted."
Click here to read more about The Duchess’s patronages.
Click here to read about The Duchess’s visit to Helen and Douglas House in July.