The Llandudno Disney princess rescued by Prince Charming in her time of need

A Disney princess was left counting her blessings after a knight in shining armour came to her rescue. Belle, heroine of Beauty and the Beast, became stranded miles from home in a Gwynedd village when her carriage developed a fault.

Playing the role of Belle was Camilla Hanmer, a mum of two from Llandudno who doubles as the “Party Princess” for kids’ events. Having undergone successful treatment for breast cancer in 2023, the 31-year-old this year returned to her role as a childrens’ entertainer and is now busier than ever.

Every Disney story has a happy ending but a recent job – involving two birthday parties near Bethesda – nearly finished in tears. Camilla had brought smiles to one party and was en route to the other when her car suffered a flat tyre.

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“I was driving along the back roads when I felt the tyre go,” she said. “I didn’t know what to do. I don’t know how to change a tyre – I don’t even know if I have a spare in the boot. So I just drove as slowly as I could, up the hill to the venue and somehow made it to the party.”

Being a professional entertainer, Camilla switched to Belle mode for the party at the Neuadd Goffa Memorial Hall in Mynydd Llandegai. By the time she’d finished, she’d forgotten all about her less-than enchanted vehicle.

“I love the parties and I was so caught up in the moment that I completely forgot about the flat tyre,” she said. “After getting to the car, I then had to go back to the venue and bang on the window to get the host’s attention. Luckily, her husband was a farmer who knows about fixing things.”

He dashed home to collect a jack and set to work replacing the tyre. As he did so, a local man walked past. “He asked me if I was going to a wedding,” chuckled Camilla.

“I was so lucky that someone was able to help. If he hadn’t, I’d probably still be stuck at the roadside in Mynydd Llandegai even now!” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

Camilla, a former retail assistant at Llandudno’s Next store, stopped work to bring up her two children. Five years ago a friend convinced her to step into her slippers and take on the Party Princess business. From the first moment she slipped on a Disney outfit, she was hooked. “The way all the girls’ faces lit up as soon as you walk into a room, it was wonderful,” she said.

In April 2023, the business was put on hold when, at the age of just 29, Camilla was diagnosed with breast cancer. Six months of chemo was followed by a lumpectomy and by Christmas she was given the all clear.

For a while, she wore a wig when venturing out. Support came from the Breast Friends group established by Denbighshire photographer Sally Smart. Having undergone cancer treatment herself, Sally hit on the idea for a nude calendar and Camilla found herself being roped in mid-way through the shoot.

“I can’t even remember which month I featured in the calendar,” she said. “But I do remember the pictures were taken in a hair salon and we were all pulling silly faces. It was great fun for a good cause.”

The calendar has collected multiple awards having raised more than £30,000 for the North Wales Cancer Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where many of the women were treated. Camilla, who was still receiving treatment when the photos were taken, said her cancer journey had given her a new perspective on life.

“I had to take a year out from the business but when I went back to it, it felt even more special,” she said. “So many people have been rooting for me and wishing me well.”

Camilla has five Disney guises, from Cinderella and Elsa to Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, plus a Barbie outfit. She can be booked for events - details are on her Facebook page. This Christmas she will also be appearing at festive events including Anglesey Sea Zoo, Upstairs at Anna’s in Conwy and Penrhyn Bay Community Centre.

More details about the Breast Friends group can be found here. There's also a JustGiving donation page here. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox