Two young fundraising heroes treated to private party at Buckingham Palace
Two fundraising heroes have been treated to a private tea party, hosted by Queen Camilla herself, after being forced to miss previous royal events.
Tony Hudgell, nine, and Lyla O’Donovan, 11, were due to attend a garden party in May, but Hudgell got stuck in a major traffic jam, while Lyla was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Tony — whose legs were amputated after horrific child abuse - was devastated to miss the royal event, as his adoptive mother Paula shared on X (formerly Twitter) how they spent two hours stuck behind a fire truck on a major highway.
However, a response on the Royal Family indicated all was not lost, as they replied, “Sorry to hear this, Tony! We were looking forward to seeing you too. Fancy trying again another day? Leave it with us.”
Two months on, the two youngsters arrived at Buckingham Palace for the rescheduled treat last week and were given a front-row spot to watch the Changing of the Guard.
The two children and their families then enjoyed a private tea party with Queen Camilla, 76, in the palace garden’s Summer House.
The Queen then presented Tony with his British Empire Medal after his nomination in the 2024 New Year’s Honours.
Tony, who lost his legs as a baby due to his parents’ cruelty, inspired the nation after doing a 10km walk, raising $2.4 million at age five.
Paula said, “We were all extremely honoured and grateful to be invited for afternoon tea with the Queen. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful and made us feel comfortable and relaxed."
“Tony chatted to the Queen as if they were old friends. She was lovely with him.
“An exceptionally proud moment was when the Queen gave Tony his BEM. It was one of the most memorable days we’ll ever have.”
Lyla has raised funds to grant wishes to children affected by cancer or lifelong illness. She said of the event, “Everyone made us feel so comfortable and made me feel super-special. We’re so grateful.”
Dad Paul said, “It was an amazing moment for us. Lyla was gutted about missing the original Garden Party but she said she’s glad she missed it now as she’s got to meet the Queen."
“There’s no one more important than her, apart from the King, of course.”
Image credits: Buckingham Palace/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial