Queen Camilla invites disabled children to decorate her Christmas tree

Queen Camilla has welcomed children with life-shortening conditions to decorate her Christmas tree.

Isla Naden and her family, from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, were among those to attend the event at Clarence House.

The seven-year-old's mother Morwenna Naden said the experience had been "so special" for her daughter, who also got to meet Father Christmas at the event.

Isla and the other children are cared for by Helen and Douglas House, where Camilla has been a patron since 2007.

This was the 17th time that families supported by the charity have decorated the Clarence House Christmas tree.

Mrs Naden described her daughter as quite a diva.

She said: "We actually call her the queen in our household and she's a bit of a princess.

"And when we told Camilla that she thought it was hilarious and she was very pleased to meet another queen."

Mrs Naden said her daughter was very excited when she found out where she would be going.

"It was just so special," she added.

Father Christmas and Camilla welcomed the children and their families individually, leading them through to the library where there was a Christmas tree and a table full of decorations.

The children took it in turns to decorate the tree with the help of Camilla.

As the families left Clarence House they were treated to a performance of We Wish You A Merry Christmas by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

Father Christmas was also waiting outside with his reindeer to surprise the young visitors.

Isla has been with Helen and Douglas House for two years.

Mrs Naden said: "Truthfully I can't put into words what they've done for us.

"They are there for our worst times and our best of times."

Children with life-shortening conditions who are cared for by Helen and Douglas House were invited along with children from Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's charity.

Jane Long, chief executive of Helen & Douglas House, said: "The children and families had such a magical time.

"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 an occasion that they will always remember."

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