The Queen called on the services of the ‘state sleigh’ to start the royal Christmas celebrations.
Queen Camilla had the historic sleigh designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria brought to Clarence House as a special treat for the children she had invited in to decorate the Christmas tree.
For 20 years, Queen Camilla has welcomed children with life changing illnesses to her London home in the run up to Christmas to help deck the branches of the royal tree.
It’s become one of the best loved royal traditions and was given an extra regal touch this year with the arrival of Queen Victoria’s sleigh.
Buckingham Palace called it the ‘State Sleigh’ and The Queen sat on its red velvet bench to welcome each of the ten children invited along. They are all supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.
The guests enjoyed a pretend sleigh ride with The Queen and Santa as part of a magical afternoon.
Inside Clarence House, they helped put the decorations on the tree. The top branches were looked after by The Queen’s new equerry, Major Rob Treasure, who asked the children to choose the trinkets for the highest branches before looping the baubles on to his sword and transferring them on to the pines with one swift move.
Queen Camilla loves her tree decorating afternoon and told her guests that for her, this is the moment that ‘Christmas has started’.
Later, she served up lunch for the children, offering sausages and mash shaped as smiley faces and bringing round the gravy herself. There were also sweet treats and biscuits to top up energy levels after a bus time decorating the tree.
As if there hadn’t been enough magical moments already, reindeer were outside by the ‘State Sleigh’ to bring another Christmassy touch.
Now The Queen’s Christmas season has begun, there’s a busy few weeks ahead before the Royal Family gathers in Sandringham for their festive celebrations.
The King is set to talk publicly about his cancer treatment and recovery as he takes part in a special evening of broadcasting on Channel 4 in support of Stand Up For Cancer.
On the same day, members of the Royal Family will gather at St. James’ Palace for the christening of Princess Beatrice’s second daughter, Athena Mapelli Mozzi.
Royal engagements continue in the days before Christmas while The King is also recording his festive message which will be broadcast on Christmas Day.
