The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have packed in plenty as Christmas approaches. A favourite engagement brought enthusiastic words of happiness from Camilla while her husband recalled the romance that began a legendary royal marriage. And the couple combined forces to say several thank yous as the UK entered a new phase of the pandemic. Here’s their Windsor week, in pictures.
A very special Christmas party
”The joy of getting you all back again this year is wonderful,” the Duchess of Cornwall said as she welcomed children with life-limiting conditions to Clarence House to help decorate the Christmas tree. The Band of the Welsh Guards played as guests supported by Helen and Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity arrived to help Camilla trim the tree.
There was a special message from CBeebies favourite, Mr Tumble, as the royal decorating got into full swing. It’s clear how much the Duchess loves this chance to celebrate with children facing so many challenges and her warm words underlined how much she had missed their company when the event had to be cancelled in 2020.
Time to say thank you
Despite easier times this Christmas, the shadow of the pandemic still lingered and this week also saw Camilla joined by the Prince of Wales to thank some of those doing so much to help others in these ever-changing times. The couple went to a food bank in Wandsworth to express their gratitude to staff and volunteers who have provided support for thousands of families over the past years.
The food bank is part of the Trussell Trust and in 2020, it delivered over 11,000 emergency food supplies to people across this part of south London, an increase of 78% on the previous year. The Prince of Wales also visited a vaccination centre to thank workers there as a huge booster programme was rolled out across the UK.
Congratulations after controversy
Charles found himself celebrating one of Britain’s greatest sports stars in the week, just days after a controversy that made headlines around the world. The Prince of Wales knighted Sir Lewis Hamilton at Windsor Castle with the racing driver’s proud mum looking on.
Sir Lewis had just ended up runner up in the Formula One drivers’ championship after Max Verstappen won the title on the last lap of the Abu Dhabi race following a controversial safety car period. The new knight was all smiles as he posed for photos afterwards with mum, Carmen Larbalestier.
Recollections of romance
Prince Charles had love on his mind as he headed to Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth to preside over the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions and hand out awards.
During a speech, the Prince recalled his own father’s links to the college, adding ”it was here that my mother and father first met in the Captain’s garden, while my grandfather, King George VI, carried out the inspection of your predecessors.”
