Queen Camilla hosts 9-year-old boy from Kent who missed garden party

Tony Hudgell missed the King's garden party in May because of traffic

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 1st Jul 2024

A 9-year-old boy from Kent, who missed the King's garden party in May because of a traffic jam, has attended a private gathering with Queen Camilla.

Tony, from West Malling, had both legs amputated after he was abused as a baby, but after making a positive impact in the community was invited along to London.

He became the youngest ever recipient of a New Year Honour.

Tony received the royal invitation from Buckingham Palace after his family were among the hundreds of motorists stuck in a non-moving line of traffic on the M20 after a lorry fire back in May.

The royal family posted on social media that they were sorry to hear he couldn't make it and have invited him and his family to try another day.

Tony and his family have now attended tea with the Queen at her London residence.

While there, Tony also received a British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse.

Garden Parties are held each summer to invitees who have made a positive impact in their community.

The boy's adoptive mum, Paula Hudgell, previously said the response from the Royal Family had put "a big beam" on his face and Tony went to bed knowing he was missed.

In a video posted on social media, the Queen said: “We thought we’d give you a special garden party.”

Tony said he was “very happy” to be able to finally attend a party.

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