A city youngster has been made to feel like a princess as she joined the Queen in decorating the Christmas tree at Clarence House. 

Grace Howes, from Thorpe St Andrew, was invited along with her mum Rebecca and Grace's nurse from Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, of which the Queen is a patron.

The five-year-old has type one spinal muscular atrophy, a condition that causes severe weakness and deterioration of her muscles. 

Rebecca, Grace’s mum, said: “Grace’s condition affects everything in her body, her respiratory system is very weak and vulnerable, so if she catches a common cold she will most probably end up in hospital.

READ MORE: Sounds of Peru brought to Norwich in crusade to upcycle waste wood

“We’ve had several scary episodes. She needs 24-hour care and support. It’s the simple things we all take for granted that she doesn’t have the strength for.”

Norwich Evening News: Grace Howes, from Thorpe St Andrew, has type one spinal muscular atrophy Grace Howes, from Thorpe St Andrew, has type one spinal muscular atrophy (Image: Luke Howes)

The Howes family was told at the time of her diagnosis that she would not live past the age of two. 

However, the family recently raised almost £30,000 to build equipment to improve Grace’s quality of life.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity helps to provide specialist nurses to care for more than 33,000 children living with serious and complex health conditions across the UK.

READ MORE: Meet the volcanologist bringing weaving back to Norwich for Christmas

Grace and her family receive help from her Roald Dahl nurse, Katrina, who works at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. 

Norwich Evening News: Grace Howes, right, with her mum Rebecca, dad Luke and sister Annie Grace Howes, right, with her mum Rebecca, dad Luke and sister Annie (Image: Luke Howes)

Rebecca added: “Having Katrina there to guide us, give us reassurance and advocate for us has really been a blessing. She is my ‘go-to’ and gives me stability.

READ MORE: Youtube star opens up on his struggles with OCD and health anxiety

"We’re very thankful to have a nurse like Katrina; she’s loving, approachable and brilliant at her job."

Grace was one of the children supported by the charity who met Queen Camilla on Wednesday, December 6, as well as Father Christmas and his reindeer.

Louise Griew, chief executive of the charity, said: “We are so grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for inviting our charity to again be part of such a magical event."