A royal welcome fit for a queen
Queen Camilla opened the doors of Clarence House on Wednesday for one of her most heartwarming engagements yet — a treasure hunt and tea party for six seriously ill children supported by the charity Dreams and Wishes. The youngsters arrived in style, travelling by horse-drawn carriage from The Royal Mews and waving to delighted tourists along the way, before being welcomed into the Morning Room to the sound of Disney tunes played by a string quartet.
Sandwiches, cookies and chocolate treasure
Camilla threw herself into the festivities with genuine warmth, serving sandwiches and cake, helping the children hunt for chocolate treasure, and handing out party bags. A personalised tray of cookies bearing each child's name sat at the centre of the table, and the Queen made sure every youngster found theirs. Ever the generous host, she encouraged the children to pile their plates high. "It's all for you," she told them. "See how much you can cram in."
A medal moment to remember
One of the most touching moments of the afternoon came courtesy of seven-year-old Rupert Williams, who has battled intestinal failure, adrenal insufficiency and Haemophilia Type A since the age of three. Rupert had quietly brought along his Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct medal — awarded just two weeks earlier at Windsor Castle — hoping the Queen might pin it on him. When his mother explained his shy ambition, Camilla didn't hesitate. Having found his courage by the end of the afternoon, Rupert stood up and delivered a toast: "Thank you for having this lovely meal. To the Queen."
"Today has created some very precious moments for us. Travelling through London in a carriage was an insane and very special moment. It was unbelievable, we were all waving at the tourists." — Hannah Williams, Rupert's mother
Peacock prints and a queen in her element
For the occasion, Camilla wore a peacock print midi dress with long sleeves, a rounded collar and a wrap belt at the waist, paired with taupe heels and her signature Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets. The look was part of a recent run of playful prints for the Queen, who had also reworn a Fiona Clare polka dot dress the previous day. Dreams and Wishes is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families create lasting memories — and on Wednesday, with one young Scout's toast ringing around the room, it is safe to say it delivered.
