Prince Charles and his companion Camilla Parker Bowles enjoyed some fun and games on Thursday, when they hosted a children's party at Clarence House.
The young visitors, who were cancer patients at Cardiff's Landough Hospital, had written to the Prince to ask if they could help decorate his Christmas tree. And Camilla was very much the hostess, taking charge of refreshments at the gathering. Dressed in a deep-purple jacket and skirt, the 56-year-old distributed biscuits and fruit juice to the youngsters.
"I think everyone will want the chocolates – they always go down well," said Camilla as she handed out a selection of goodies from Charles' Duchy Originals range. "They are special biscuits," she told one of the boys. "They are made by the Duchy."
The lad seemed less than impressed with the organic treat, however, and grimaced when he bit into it. "Is it disgusting?" asked his hostess with a smile. "You can put it back."
The party was Camilla's first high-profile royal engagement with her partner. Although her name did not appear in the official Court Circular, her presence is considered part of a careful campaign to have her relationship with Charles accepted by the people of Britain. In the past she has taken great care not to be pictured with the Prince of Wales at official engagements.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
