CHRISTMAS TREES, REINDEER AND A VISIT FROM SANTA THE QUEEN GETS THE ROYAL FESTIVITIES STARTED WITH HER ANNUAL CHILDREN'S PARTY

It's one of the most special events in the royal calendar and once more the Queen pulled out all the magical stops for the young guests at her annual Christmas party.

- EMILY NASH

Her Majesty hosted seriously ill children and families supported by two of her patronages, Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, treating them to a day out at Clarence House.

After inviting them to help decorate the tree - assisting her equerry Major Ollie Plunket as he placed baubles on the branches using the tip of his sword - she served up plates of sausage and mash at a table laden with festive treats.

The children were also surprised by Father Christmas himself, who greeted the Queen as she descended the staircase in a green velvet dress by Me+Em.

"Father Christmas, I spy," she said. "Here we go again. This is an especially lovely occasion."