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."
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