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Queen Camilla Planned A Special Surprise For A Disabled Boy Who Missed A Royal Event Due To Traffic

queen camilla

Queen Camilla planned the sweetest surprise for a little boy who had to miss a royal event after his parents got stuck in traffic.

Videos by InspireMore

Nine-year-old Tony Hudgell was en route to the king’s garden party at Buckingham Palace last month when his mom hit bumper-to-bumper traffic on M20. After two hours of waiting, he realized he wasn’t going to make the event. So he posted a photo on X and shared his disappointment with his followers.

Shortly after, the unexpected happened. The Royal Family account noticed Tony’s post and retweeted it with a note attached.

“Sorry to hear this, Tony! We were looking forward to seeing you, too,” it read. “Fancy trying again another day? Leave it with us…”

Queen Camilla Presented Her Guest Of Honor With A Special Award

According to People, Queen Camilla personally planned a special tea party just for him and another child, Lyla O’Donovan, on June 26. Lyla missed the original event due to illness. Camilla treated the kids to tea, a special viewing of the Changing of the Guard, and a private tour of The Royal Mews.

While Tony was there, Queen Camilla also presented him with the British Empire Medal. The little boy was nominated for the award during the 2024 New Year Honours because of his part in forming the Tony Hudgell Foundation.

Tony lost both of his legs after suffering abuse from his biological parents when he was an infant. He now devotes his time to helping other children “who have been affected by physical, emotional, or psychological abuse.”

Daily Mail reported that Tony and his adoptive parents, Paula and Mark Hudgell, have raised nearly £ 2 million for the Evelina Children’s Hospital.  

“We were all extremely honored to have been invited to Buckingham Palace for afternoon tea with The Queen — an experience we would never have dreamed of. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful and made us feel comfortable and relaxed,” Paula said, per People.

“Tony chatted to The Queen as if they were old friends. “And she was lovely with him,” she continued. “And [it was] an exceptionally very proud moment when the Queen gave Tony his BEM. We would like to thank everyone who made this one of the most memorable days we will ever have.”

This story’s featured image is by Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

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