For the children from Ty Hafan hospice in South Wales it was a Christmas party to remember. The youngsters and their carers had been invited along to decorate the tree at the Prince of Wales' Highgrove home.
Their hosts, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, had laid on a sumptuous lunch complete with a magician and crackers at the Gloucestershire estate.
At the party liver-transplant patient Jasmine Sumner did her best to catch the royals' attention. The three-year-old dashed out in front of the couple and handed over a partially chewed Christmas card. "She was so excited to meet them," said her father Andrew.
On this occasion, Camilla - who has gained a reputation as a snazzy dresser since taking up her public duties - was facing some stiff competition for the "best-dressed" title after 15-year-old Paul Parker arrived in a red gown and gold crown. The wheelchair-bound teenager later confided that it had been "a tough decision" choosing between the regal outfit, his Batman costume and a Freddie Mercury suit.
After waving off their guests the Prince of Wales and his wife just had time for a quick change and then it was on to the Horse Of The Year show, where Camilla handed out prizes. Dressed in a lacy skirt and smart velvet jacket, the royal did the honours, handing over a trophy to proud winner Robert Smith at London's Olympia exhibition centre.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
