Camilla & some young friends decorate Clarence House Christmas tree

<![CDATA[In keeping with her yearly tradition, The Duchess of Cornwall invited children cared for by the Helen and Douglas House hospice to decorate the Christmas tree and join her for lunch at Clarence House.

During Thursday’s luncheon, Camilla served up sausages and mash to the children and their families who attended the event.
The Helen & Douglas House provides young adults and children stricken with terminal illness with end of life care as well as emotional and hands on support for the families of their patients.
Opening in November 1982, Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice. It was started by Sister Frances Dominica who was friends with a terminally ill child named Helen. Helen lived with her parents but required around the clock care.
The charity aids more than 400 families in Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties. The charity costs approximately £5 million each year for the running of both houses and is dependent on contributions for 85% of its yearly cost.
Since 2007, The Duchess has been Patron of Helen & Douglas House.
For the past six years children from the hospice have attended the luncheon and Christmas tree decoration gathering each year.
Photo credits: Rebecca English @RE_DailyMail ]]>