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The Queen invites families from Helen & Douglas House to lunch at Clarence House and they help decorate the Christmas tree




A Newbury family have joined the Queen for lunch and helped her to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House.

Faye Verney was one of four children, cared for by children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House, who was invited to the magical Christmas visit last Thursday (December 12).

Katie Verney, Sorcha Cantwell, Marie Verney and daughter Faye (front), meet the Queen at Clarence House
Katie Verney, Sorcha Cantwell, Marie Verney and daughter Faye (front), meet the Queen at Clarence House

She was joined by her mum Marie and sister Katie.

The Queen became patron of the charity when she was the Duchess of Cornwall in 2007 and this was the 16th year she has invited families to join her at Christmas.

Mrs Verney said: “The day was just full of Christmas magic from start to finish.

“The children were made to feel extra special with the kindness shown and the incredible attention to detail.

“Her Majesty spoke to every family with great interest, each child received a selection of personalised gifts, even the children’s dietary needs were accommodated for.

“A day full of special memories for us as a family to treasure.”

The children, were treated to a surprise visit from Father Christmas when they arrived at Clarence House, where they were also met and greeted personally by the Queen.

The Queen meets Marie, Faye and Katie Verney
The Queen meets Marie, Faye and Katie Verney

In the library the children were then invited to take turns choosing decorations and hanging them on the Christmas tree, ably assisted by the Queen’s equerry, who placed some of the decorations on the tree with his sword.

The families were also entertained by a performance of Christmas songs by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

Jane Long, chief executive of Helen & Douglas House, who also accompanied the children on the visit, added: “The children and families had such a magical time. Having Her Majesty The Queen as our Patron means so much to our charity as well as the families we support.

“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 a magical moment that they will always remember.”

If you would like to support the hospice you can donate to the Helen & Douglas House Magical Moments Christmas Appeal here.

Helen & Douglas House was the world's first children's hospice and opened in 1982.

It cares for terminally ill children and their families from around the area, providing medical, emotional and practical support and helping families deal with the implications of living with a child who will die prematurely, so they can make the most of their time together.



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