Buckingham Palace has extended a royal invitation to a nine-year-old double amputee boy from Kent after he missed the King’s garden party, due to traffic congestion. Tony Hudgell, who had both legs amputated as a result of abuse he suffered as a baby, was to attend the special invitation-only event earlier this week. However, a lorry fire on the M20 caused major delays and the Hudgell family were unable to attend. The official royal response, which was posted on social media, said “Fancy trying again another day? Leave it with us.”
Tony’s adoptive mum, Paula Hudgell, expressed her gratitude for the royal invitation that her son had received. She said that Tony will go to bed tonight feeling happy knowing he was missed, after feeling extremely disappointed upon their return home earlier in the day. The Hudgell family was originally invited to the Buckingham Palace garden party in two weeks’ time, but had to bring the date forward, as Paula Hudgell needed to undergo surgery for her bowel cancer.
The garden party, which is held twice a year, is a special event that honours invitees who have made a positive impact in their community. Despite being stuck in traffic for hours, Tony kept his spirits up and sang away, while other people chatted with him. Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were called to the M20 following reports of a burning lorry, which caused long delays. Ms. Hudgell expressed her concerns for those who were involved in the incident. She believes that Tony’s visit to the palace will take place next year, as garden parties are held only twice a year
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