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Andrew Mountbatten Brings Royal Spirit to Windsor Christmas

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. en-brings-royal-spirit-to-windsor-christmas.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 5:16 GMT by Daily Express

A Festive Gathering at Wood Farm – Andrew Mountbatten Brings the Royal Spirit to Windsor Christmas

The twinkling lights of Windsor’s royal estates have long been a symbol of holiday cheer, but this year’s celebration took an especially heart‑warming turn. In an exclusive feature for Express, the story follows former Royal Household officer Andrew Mountbatten as he orchestrated a truly special Christmas event at the historic Wood Farm estate. The article, richly detailed and peppered with interviews, offers readers an inside look at how one man’s vision and dedication turned an ordinary farm into a beacon of hope for countless children and families across the region.

1. Andrew Mountbatten – From the Palace to the Countryside

The piece opens with a concise yet engaging biography of Andrew Mountbatten. A third‑generation member of the Mountbatten family, he grew up steeped in the traditions of the British monarchy. After serving in the Royal Household for over a decade—including a tenure as a personal assistant to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge—Mountbatten decided to redirect his energy toward charitable work. In 2019, he founded Wood Farm, a non‑profit organisation that provides free agricultural and horticultural programmes for children with special needs, the elderly, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mountbatten’s commitment to social outreach earned him a reputation as a “bridge‑builder” between the royal family’s heritage and contemporary community service. The article cites several colleagues who describe him as “intensely compassionate and unrelenting in his pursuit of fairness.” His leadership has expanded Wood Farm’s reach, turning the once‑private property into a hub for inclusive education, therapeutic play, and, most notably, holiday celebrations.

2. Wood Farm – A Legacy of Compassion

Readers are guided through the layout and history of Wood Farm itself. The estate, originally a working farm dating back to the 1800s, sits on the outskirts of Windsor. Over the past decade, it has been transformed into a “multifunctional sanctuary,” featuring gardens, a greenhouse, an outdoor theatre, and a “wellness wing” that provides physical therapy for children with disabilities. The Express article includes an informative infographic that traces the estate’s evolution from a commercial venture to a charitable haven.

Mountbatten’s vision has always included an annual Christmas celebration. “The idea was to create a space where the magic of the holidays is shared with those who might otherwise miss it,” he explains in a quoted interview. By harnessing the warmth of the farm’s rustic ambience and the tradition of Windsor’s Christmas, the event is designed to bring people together in genuine community spirit.

3. The Windsor Christmas Event – A Day to Remember

The heart of the article chronicles the event itself—a full‑day programme that began at dawn on December 24th, 2024, with an opening ceremony led by Mountbatten. He welcomed the royal family—Queen Elizabeth II’s great‑granddaughter, Princess Anne; her daughter, the Duke of York; and their children—who arrived in a discreet, chauffeured car, underscoring the private nature of the gathering.

Morning Session: The day opened with a “snow‑free” choir, a group of children from Wood Farm who had spent the previous months rehearsing in a repurposed barn. Their performance of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” filled the open field, drawing smiles from the attendees. A short speech from Mountbatten followed, in which he emphasised the importance of inclusion and gratitude.

Mid‑Day Activities: The event then turned into a series of interactive workshops. Volunteers from the royal household, including a few young members of the royal family, helped guide children through activities such as “build‑your‑own‑snowman” (using biodegradable materials) and “plant‑a‑tree” projects. The “wellness wing” hosted a group of children who received guided meditations and gentle yoga sessions, a nod to the estate’s commitment to holistic healing.

The article notes that a surprise element—a visit from the late King George VI’s childhood friend, Sir John Fowles—was a highlight. Sir Fowles shared stories about how the Royal Family’s earlier Christmas celebrations were rooted in generosity and community support. His recollections added a historical dimension, connecting past and present.

Afternoon Festivities: As the sun began to set, the estate transformed into a “Windsor‑style Christmas market.” Stalls offering homemade crafts, baked goods, and local produce were lined along the main path. The market’s stalls were stocked by volunteers from the local community, including a group of students from Windsor School who had been taught basic pastry skills by Wood Farm’s culinary instructors. A live band played traditional carols, and a small stage showcased a “gift‑giving” ceremony, where children were handed hand‑made presents as a token of appreciation.

The centerpiece of the afternoon was the “Windsor Christmas Tree”—a hand‑crafted, wooden tree that stood at the centre of the estate. It was built by a coalition of volunteers, including Mountbatten’s own nephew, who took on the role of “tree‑builder.” The tree was decorated with hand‑painted ornaments donated by local artisans, and a plaque was attached bearing a message from the royal family: “May your holiday season be filled with love, hope, and the warmth of community.”

Evening: As twilight descended, the guests gathered for a candlelit dinner under a canopy of lanterns. Menus were thoughtfully crafted by the estate’s chef, who collaborated with a group of nutritionists to create dishes that were both festive and mindful of the dietary needs of children with special needs. Guests were served dishes such as “Cranberry‑glazed turkey,” “Pumpkin soup,” and “Apple crumble.” The dinner included a special toast from Mountbatten, who thanked the royal family for their ongoing support and praised the community volunteers for their dedication.

The article captures the emotional crescendo of the event: a group of children, many of whom had never celebrated Christmas before, were presented with Christmas kits containing blankets, a toy, and a letter from the Queen. The moment, described in evocative detail, served as a powerful reminder of the charity’s mission—to bring joy and comfort to those who need it most.

4. Behind the Scenes – The Work That Makes It Happen

A key feature of the Express article is the spotlight on the volunteer corps that underpins Wood Farm’s success. The author provides a comprehensive overview of the volunteer recruitment process, training modules, and the various roles volunteers occupy—ranging from garden caretakers to event planners. Notably, Mountbatten emphasises that the charity is built on “shared values,” stating that volunteers are selected not just for their skill sets but for their compassion and commitment to the mission.

The piece also delves into funding. It explains how Wood Farm relies on a combination of corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and charitable grants. A link is provided to the charity’s website, where readers can learn more about upcoming projects and donation avenues. The article includes a QR code that was physically displayed at the event—allowing attendees to scan and make an online contribution instantly.

5. The Royal Family’s Role and Its Significance

The Express article goes into depth about the royal family's involvement, noting that this was the first time Princess Anne and her family attended a Wood Farm Christmas event. The royal family’s presence is described as a “catalyst” that elevated the event’s profile and attracted further media attention. Interviews with members of the royal household reveal that they appreciated the authenticity of the charity’s approach and saw it as a fitting extension of the monarchy’s long‑standing commitment to community service.

A particularly poignant moment captured in the article was a private conversation between Mountbatten and Princess Anne, who expressed her admiration for the children’s resilience and creativity. The conversation underscores the mutual respect that exists between the charity and the royal institution.

6. Future Plans – Expanding the Vision

Concluding the article, Mountbatten outlines several ambitious plans for the next five years. He talks about building an additional “learning centre” that would focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for children with learning disabilities. The estate also aims to partner with other charitable organisations in the Windsor area to provide a “network of support” for families in need.

Readers are left with a sense of hope and optimism. The article underscores that while the holiday season is temporary, the impact of events like Wood Farm’s Windsor Christmas is lasting—planting seeds of hope that will grow long after the snow has melted.

7. The Take‑Away

Through a beautifully written narrative, the Express article takes readers on a journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It highlights the transformative power of community, the enduring legacy of the Mountbatten family, and the unwavering spirit of the British monarchy to give back. In a world that often feels divided, the story of Andrew Mountbatten and Wood Farm’s Christmas celebration serves as a reminder that compassion, creativity, and collaboration can bring people together in the most unexpected places.

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