Santa tells King he’s on the ‘very good boys list’

The King received a festive cheer when he met Father Christmas and was told he was on the ‘very good boy’ list.

Charles chatted to the famous character when he visited a shopping center in west London and was mobbed by dozens of shoppers snapping photos of him on their smartphones.

With the big day just over two weeks away, Ealing Broadway shopping center filled with crowds as they realized a famous visitor was browsing the food and craft stalls at the Christmas market.

During the visit, Charles went to Santa’s grotto, which will grant children’s wishes until Christmas Eve, and had a short chat with Santa and some of his elves.

Santa said afterwards: “I told him he was on Santa’s ‘very good boys’ list and he said ‘really?

“I also told him if he was at Sandringham this year and when he said he was, I asked if there was room for my sleigh to park?”

Behind the big beard and red and white suit was Keith Flaherty, who described himself as a “frustrated spy”.

He said of his seasonal job: “It’s great to get away from the real world of adults and be with the kids – they’re great.”

Ealing, in its heyday, was known as the ‘Queen of the Suburbs’ and is home to the famous Ealing Studios, where major productions are still filmed.

It is also famous for its Polish community, which was welcomed to the area during the Second World War as squadrons of Polish fighter pilots were based at nearby RAF Northolt.

Charles watched a short performance by a local Polish choir, who sang a traditional carol, and also stopped to chat with Kate McKenzie, holding an outdoor stall for the Store Collective, which showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople.

She said: “He really liked the idea of ​​bringing local producers together to fill this space.”

Before visiting the Christmas market, the King spoke to local charities that have received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which range from organizations that deal with litter or support those in need to wildlife conservation.

Charles concluded his visit to Ealing with a private trip to nearby Pitzhanger Manor, the former country house of the influential 18th and 19th century architect Sir John Soane, which has undergone a major conservation project.