Outwardly at least, there's little sign that Christmas has arrived at Buckingham Palace.

Unlike other public buildings, such as the Prime Minister's residence in Downing Street, the Queen's official residence doesn't incorporate a beautifully decorated tree outside the monarch's London home so as to make the festive season that little bit more special for young visitors to the capital's most famous tourist attraction.

Thankfully, though, there was at least one member of the Royal Family getting into the Christmas spirit yesterday.

While her husband was undertaking other business, including reading the preview of Lord Stevens' report into the death of his ex-wife, Diana, the Duchess of Cornwall was enjoying a little fun and laughter with youngsters from the Shooting Star House Children's Hospice.

For some years now, Charles and Camilla have invited sick children to join them at Clarence House to help decorate their Christmas tree and enjoy tea and biscuits with the royal residents.

As to be expected, this was no normal decorating of the tree. Only inside a royal palace or home would you see a colourfully uniformed soldier from the British army overseeing proceedings, all of which added to the special day for the awed youngsters.

The invitation for the children to visit Clarence House was hugely appreciated by the Hospice's Chief Executie, Dalton Leong: "One of the highlights of the day was immediately after the tea which the children had shared with the Duchess, when 9-year-old Rachel Palmer asked the Duchess if she could sing her a song and then entertained us all. When every moment counts, this truly is an afternoon the children from Shooting Star House and their families and carers will never forget."

Perhaps it was as well that Prince Charles didn't make an appearance at this year's Christmas tea with the excited children.

Last time he met Father Christmas, at an event for military veterans at St. James's Palace last week, the cheeky Prince threatened to rather spoil the illusion of Christmas.

On meeting Father Christmas himself, Charles decided to check if he was the genuine thing, promptly pulling on Santa's beard!

How could he do such a thing as question the authenticity of the world's most famous man?!

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Name: Trudie	Comment: Perhaps Annabele was in the background giving decorating tips and pointing as to where the ornaments should be placed

Name: Trish	Comment: Nice to see Camilla and the kids enjoying this festive tradition!

Name: jj	Comment: Not sure what sister Annabel would make of the tree decorating of the children but what a lovely break for them and their carers.