Children travel to London to meet Her Majesty The Queen

There was much excitement at Clarence House in London yesterday. Five extraordinary children travelled from around the UK to London to meet Her Majesty The Queen to make some rather special Christmas memories. There was a fabulous festive lunch, some super fun seasonal surprises, and the chance to help The Queen decorate the Royal Christmas Tree.

The children all travelled to Clarence House with one of their family and the Roald Dahl Nurse who has been on an even more extraordinary journey with them leading up to this day. In this specialist nursing role supporting seriously ill children, Roald Dahl Nurses help families like those meeting Her Majesty The Queen navigate the most complicated and stressful of health journeys, working as the child’s advocate and champion throughout childhood. And the families attending today say what moved them most about this invitation to meet The Queen was how it helped their children feel visible and valued, when so much of their journey is not seen by those around them and their experience not properly understood.

"It was a beautiful event and such tremendous care and hard work has gone in to celebrating the Roald Dahl Nurses and the work they do, giving the families the warmest welcome and making it really special for the children - from personalised biscuits made by the Palace to a lovely Christmas lunch to Father Christmas turning up with gifts" Louise Griew, Chief Executive of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity told us after the event. "It was topped by a special surprise when The Queen asked the children to join her outside where they found Santa's reindeers waiting to greet them and had chance to sit in the sleigh with The Queen. We are so proud to have Her Majesty's support as our Royal Patron and for her warmth and welcome today. it was wonderful."