PATRON of The British Forces Foundation, HRH The Prince of Wales, welcomed loyal BFF supporters into his home just before Christmas.

Some 80 guests were invited to Clarence House for a fabulous drinks reception and the chance to chat with His Royal Highness.

Addressing the gathering, Prince Charles said he had watched the charity grow from the spontaneous idea of Jim Davidson OBE, on a wet Macedonian afternoon seven years ago, into a highly respected welfare provider of the Armed Forces, through its tremendous productions.

"I know the demands on the charity increase almost daily, and by Christmas Mark Cann and the BFF team will have staged productions in Hereford and Iraq, having just been to Kosovo," said His Royal Highness.

"As the demands increase so do the pressures on the Foundation's limited resources.

"I know the British Forces Foundation is hugely appreciated by the fantastic men and women of our Armed Forces, I am proud to be associated with it and I thank all of you who support its excellent work."

Laurie Mansfield, Chairman of The British Forces Foundation at Clarence House on 7th December 2007 thanked Prince Charles for opening his home to further the cause of the Foundation.

"Most importantly may I take this rare opportunity to thank you for being our Patron. It means so much to us as a charity to have your support," said Laurie. "The real beneficiaries of your patronage are the incredible men and women of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

"We go to Iraq and Afghanistan and send a clear message, that we are for them, supported by the public and the Prince of Wales -- and, if they will forgive the phrase, unsullied by Senior Officer and Politician. That, communicated by the stars who so kindly give their time to help us, is a strong and pure message, which has a significant impact on morale.

"We pass that message of support to the troops as often as we can and wherever we can, but I am glad to have this chance, as Chairman, to thank you for making it such a powerful one."

Following the drinks reception, guests moved on to the Army & Navy Club for a fantastic evening meal.

BFF Patron HRH The Prince of Wales with BFF Chairman Lauire Mansfield

Tony and Karen Woodhams of Bluefish with His Royal Highness

Frederick and Sandy Forsyth with Gary Rhodes and Prince Charles

His Royal Highness chats to Brian and Andrea Lane

Prince Charles with John Goodman and BFF Director Mark Cann