Long Sutton's Gemma enjoys cuddles with Princess Charlotte thanks to pretty flamingo

Christmas 2019 will certainly be one to remember for Royal fan Gemma Clark and her family – after she received cuddles from Princess Charlotte and Prince George at Sandringham.

Gemma, from Long Sutton, was among the crowds gathered at the Norfolk estate on Wednesday to watch the Royal family walk to church and caught Princess Charlotte’s eye with the inflatable pink flamingo she was holding, which she later gifted to the bubbly four-year-old.

It was the first time Gemma (39), who has cerebral palsy, had been to Sandringham at Christmas and now she can’t wait to go back – especially after all the media attention she’s sparked.

Stories about her encounter with the youngest royals made all the national newspapers and was covered as far afield as America and Australia. She’s also had requests to give TV interviews.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant,” said Gemma, “and now I just want to go back to Sandringham again and again and again!”

“I’ve always loved the Royal family – all of them, but I particularly like The Queen, William and Kate. So, seeing them has made my Christmas!”

Gemma’s sister Fran came up with the idea for the visit. Gemma, who admits she doesn’t like early mornings, got up at 7.30am on Christmas Day and made the journey into Norfolk with parents Paul and Pam.

They met Fran and her husband Andrew at Sandringham and were delighted to get a spot at the front.

Gemma also had Felicity with her – an inflatable pink flamingo Fran had given her for her birthday –as she likes to take it to different places for fun and record her travels in a scrapbook.

“We really didn’t know quite what to expect,” adds Gemma’s mum Pam, “but we had a great view and saw the Royals go into church and a lady near us commented the flamingo had caught Princess Charlotte’s eye as she kept looking at it.

“We never expected them to come over and talk to us!”

But that’s exactly what happened – after the service Princess Charlotte made a beeline for Felicity and Gemma decided then and there to give it to the youngster.

“She came straight over so I asked her whether she would like it and she replied, ‘yes please’ then she asked me how I was and gave me a cuddle,” recalls Gemma. “I told her she didn’t have to call her Felicity, she could call her what she liked.

“George was a little shy, hiding behind his Dad but he wished me a Merry Christmas and gave me a hug. It was wonderful – such a special moment, I couldn’t believe it!

“I chatted with William and Kate and asked her what she does with all the posies she is given – and she said she gives them to hospices.

“It was such a wonderful morning. The Queen looked beautiful too.

“Felicity’s quite well travelled – as friends have taken her away too. She’s already been to Barbados, Fuerteventura and Cornwall – who knows where she’ll go now? Hopefully I will find out one day!”