Queen Camilla’s new equerry, Major Rob Treasure, is settling into his role as he helped children decorate a Christmas tree in Clarence House.
Major Treasure was handed the position after Major Ollie Plunket stepped down, who was also present to support.
Using his ceremonial sword, Mr Treasure carefully lifted ornaments chosen by the youngsters onto the higher branches, a task which has become part of the celebration’s traditions.
After a few tries at laying the ornament on the upper half, Major Treasure was successful as he let out a deep breath and a little smirk.
Queen Camilla’s new equerry is settling into his new role
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Major Treasure replaced Major Plunket in the position
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The pair were in attendance as Camilla welcomed seriously ill children to her London residence on Thursday for what has become a cherished annual tradition for two decades.
When the Queen arrived at Clarence House, she was greeted by Father Christmas at the bottom of the stairs and was given squeaky toys for her rescue dogs, Moley and Bluebell.
Father Christmas explained: “It was presents for Moley and Bluebell from Mrs Claus, as there is nothing you can buy for the Queen.”
The gathering at Clarence House brought together 10 youngsters with life-limiting conditions, supported by Helen and Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, both of which have the Queen as their patron.
Major Plunket is stepping down after three years in the role
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Her Majesty personally served the festive meal, dishing up sausages, mashed potatoes and peas arranged into smiley faces, whilst also pouring gravy for her young guests and their families.
Speaking to the children afterwards, she said: “I say this every year, to me it’s the start of Christmas. I haven’t really got my head round it until I come here and I realise it’s about to happen.”
A winter wonderland was set up for the event, featuring Father Christmas, reindeer named Blitzen and Dancer, and a historic sleigh that Prince Albert originally made as a gift for Queen Victoria in 1842.
Father Christmas invited the Queen to get on the state sleigh, which had been restored six years earlier, with the children sitting beside her on its plush red velvet seat.
Major Treasure had to have a couple of goes to hook the ornament on the tree
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Six-year-old Samuel Soremekun, who has sickle cell disease and autism, was among the first to sit beside Camilla, repeatedly exclaiming “it’s the Queen, it’s the Queen” whilst she held his hand.
The youngster provoked laughter from everyone present when he gestured towards a member of the royal entourage and asked: “Is that the King?”
The Queen expressed deep admiration for the two charities supporting the children, telling her guests: “I’m so proud to be patron of two such wonderful charities.
“I know they do so much for the children and, of course, for the parents. I know they’re literally lifesavers.”
Mr Treasure carefully lifted the ornaments chosen by the youngsters onto the higher branches
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Aside from the Christmas celebrations, the Queen also hosted John Hunt, a BBC racing commentator, and his daughter Amy on November 27 at Clarence House for a deeply personal meeting that will form the basis of a special radio broadcast airing on New Year’s Eve.
The announcement came as the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign drew to a close.
The annual United Nations-backed campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, urges governments, charities and the public to highlight and challenge violence against women and girls.
Events and awareness activities take place worldwide across the 16 days, culminating on Human Rights Day.