Two young fundraisers given own Palace party hosted by Queen Camilla after being forced to miss other royal events
TWO young fund-raising heroes were given their very own Buckingham Palace party hosted by the Queen — after being forced to miss previous royal shindigs.
Tony Hudgell, nine, was due to attend a garden party in May but got stuck in a traffic jam en route, while the invitation for Lyla O’Donovan, 11, clashed with her cancer treatment.
Tony — whose legs were amputated after horrific child abuse — was to have received his British Empire Medal.
His devastation was clear in a message on X/Twitter, written after he and adoptive mum Paula Hudgell spent two hours stuck on the M20 because of a lorry fire.
A response on the Royal Family’s X/Twitter page indicated all was not lost.
They replied: “Sorry to hear this, Tony! We were looking forward to seeing you too. Fancy trying again another day? Leave it with us.”
Tony, of West Malling, Kent, and Lyla, of Catterick, North Yorks, arrived at Buckingham Palace for the re-scheduled treat last week and were given a front-row spot to watch the Changing of the Guard.
The youngsters, and families, then enjoyed a private tea party with Queen Camilla, 76, in the palace garden’s Summer House.
Camilla also presented Tony with his BEM after his nomination in the 2024 New Year’s Honours.
Tony, who lost his legs as a baby due to his parents’ cruelty, had inspired the nation after doing a 10km walk, raising £1.3million, 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: “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.”
