A seriously ill seven-year-old boy had his wish come true when Queen Camilla presented him with his Scouts bravery medal during a tea party at Clarence House. Rupert Williams, from Barry, South Wales, brought his Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct medal, hoping the Queen might pin it on him. As the children sat down for tea, Camilla obliged, and Rupert beamed with pride as she attached the medal to his waistcoat.
Tea Party for Dreams And Wishes
The event was hosted by Camilla for Dreams And Wishes, a charity supporting seriously ill children and their families. Six children enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride down The Mall, a treasure hunt, and a tea of sandwiches, biscuits, jelly, cupcakes, and brownies. Camilla handed out plates, ensured everyone ate, and helped the children search for treasure.
Rupert's Health Challenges
Rupert lives with gastrointestinal failure and haemophilia A. His mother, Hannah Williams, said: "He was really overwhelmed and gradually he has been getting more excited. He has been asking 'does the Queen have a dragon in her castle?' As a family we have said this year is just about saying 'yes to life'. We just need to enjoy these incredible opportunities."
Rupert has spent much of his life in hospital. The Scouts award recognises his "remarkable commitment to Scouts, demonstrated through continued involvement despite severe illness." He makes a point of trying to keep laughing because it helps him feel better, and he enjoys visits from therapy dogs.
Proud Parents
Ms Williams added: "We don't try to make a big deal of his illness because he is more than his illness. As parents we are also proud of his resilience." Rupert raised a toast to Camilla with a glass of water to begin the tea party.
Treasure Hunt and Gifts
Camilla held hands with six-year-old Maria Lourenco Belo, who led the treasure hunt in a purple princess dress. The children searched for treasure stolen by a wicked wizard. The event ended with each child receiving a goodie bag containing a teddy bear dressed as a guard and a large chocolate coin. A string quartet played Disney-themed music, and Camilla hugged and kissed each child goodbye.
Charity Chairman's Thanks
Dreams And Wishes chairman Tony Curtis said: "The Queen wrote to me when I started the charity in 2011. She writes to me every year after I wish her a Happy Christmas. She is fantastic, especially how she spends so much time chatting to the children and the parents." The charity gave Camilla a clock as a gift, and she received a bottle of gin from Wales, which she said was her husband's favourite.
