LAST week, Queen Camilla met with children, families, staff and supporters of Charlton Farm's children's hospice in North Somerset.

The royal visit to the Wraxall site took place on Thursday, December 14.

Queen Camilla, who is a Royal Patron of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), was taken on a tour of the children’s hospice by Co-Founder and CEO Eddie Farwell, Patricia Morris, chair of Trustees along with Charlton Farm’s head of Care Karen Greaves and medical director, Emma Heckford.

Her Majesty watched as staff provided a music therapy and a hydrotherapy session, and she also helped one-year-old Frankie and her mother, Lauren, switch on the Christmas lights.

Royal decorations were then handed out to the children to be added to the hospice's Christmas tree.

Speaking on the day, Eddie Farwell said: “It’s just been a fabulous day, not only has the sun shone but her radiance shone through in the way she greeted every child, every member of their family, our supporters, staff, everyone here, she really does have the personal touch.”

For some, Camilla's visit was certainly one to remember. Speaking about the queen, Lauren, Frankie's mother, said: “She was so kind and she was very understanding, and very special to talk to.”

The hospice provides support for children with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. Charlton Farm is currently caring for almost 200 children, young people, and their families and supports all family members from the point of diagnosis through to bereavement and beyond.

Lauren and Matt Stevens are just two of the individuals that have been supported by the charity during their son Nolan's short life.

When he was just three months old, Nolan passed away, but the hospice continued to provide support for his family.

Matt said: “This place took the weight off our shoulders and brought us a lot of light in some of our darkest days.”

Since opening in 2007, the hospice has been providing a range of support including day visits and overnight stays for the whole family, at home visits, 24-hour telephone support, emergency stays, symptom management, dedicated support for siblings, end of life care and bereavement support.