Banbury boy helps decorate Clarence House Christmas tree via video link

Nine children from Helen & Douglas House including Nathan Best, aged 9 from Banbury, joined HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House on Wednesday December 16 via a video link.

Each year, The Duchess of Cornwall invites children from Helen & Douglas House with life-shortening conditions to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. Keen to continue her annual tradition this December, this event took place virtually with nine children and families supported by Helen & Douglas House joining via video link.

Her Royal Highness became Patron of Helen & Douglas House in 2007 and this will be the eleventh time that families supported by the charity have been invited to decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree.

The Duchess of Cornwall welcomed the children and their families and spoke individually to each family asking them about what they wanted Santa to bring them for Christmas and discussed how Helen & Douglas House helped their family.

The hospice sent Clarence House a homemade bauble with each of the children’s name on. The children or their families chose where they wanted their decoration placed on the tree and Captain Charles Ross, Assistant Equerry, dressed in his full guardsman’s uniform with a busby to the delight of the children, then placed their decorations on the tree, in some cases with his sword to reach the higher branches.

Nathan Best from Banbury who loves singing when he comes to the hospice, sang ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’ to the Duchess of Cornwall.

Clare Periton, chief executive of Helen & Douglas House, said: "The children and families who took part had such a magical time. It is such a great privilege to have The Duchess of Cornwall as our Patron.

"This virtual event was a wonderful occasion and a real success. All our families really enjoyed the virtual Christmas tree decorating with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

"Nathan’s wonderful rendition of ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’ for HRH The Duchess of Cornwall was beautifully sung and enjoyed by everyone. For our families, Christmas is a time when they can make precious memories which they will treasure forever and this will certainly be one that they will always remember.

"Our aim this Christmas is to ensure that none of our families feel alone or isolated over the festive season, giving them the reassurance that we are there to give them our 24/7 emergency lifeline of care if needed."

Jenny Best, Nathan’s mum, said: "Helen & Douglas House is a magical place. Somehow it manages to take my worries away. Getting to video call HRH The Duchess of Cornwall was an extra special treat.

‘This year has had many low points, but today was a very good and special memory. Watching my son’s Christmas decoration being put on the most beautiful tree in Clarence House by the guardsman was a real honour. It made us as a whole family feel extra special."

Nathan Best said: "Today was the best day ever. My decoration was red and had my name on it."