Read: Kate Middleton wore Princess Diana’s iconic tiara at official Windsor dinner (Photos & Video)
A spontaneous act of humanity from Kate Middleton
The encounter was far from routine. As revealed by Rebecca Inglis of the Daily Mail, Gledhill confided in Kate that he had recently lost his wife. Before passing away, she had made one final request: that he absolutely attend this particular event. “Kate loves hugs. She’s warm, friendly and greets everyone with a big hug and a kiss. It comes naturally to her to behave this way,” a source from the princess’s circle previously told People magazine.
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Who is the 88-year-old who embraced the Princess of Wales
The 88-year-old Tony Gledhill served in the Metropolitan Police and has been honored with the George Cross. Sixty years ago, he and his partner Terry McFall pursued criminals who were driving at high speed against traffic on a one-way street and fired 15 shots at their patrol car, according to Mirror royal correspondent Russell J. Myers. The perpetrators’ vehicle reportedly crashed into a truck, and they then attacked the officers who were trying to arrest them. Eventually, both Gledhill and McFall managed to subdue them despite their injuries, an act for which they were later decorated.
Fulfilling a final wish
Gledhill was among the many guests who had the opportunity to meet the Princess of Wales at the glamorous reception in the Palace’s Marble Hall. For the occasion, Kate chose an elegant purple dress, which she paired with precious jewelry from Queen Elizabeth’s personal collection. The stunning triple pearl necklace made a particular impression – the same piece the monarch wore in her final official portrait. At the event, Middleton was joined by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and other members of the royal family, honoring the memory of the Queen who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, having served the British throne for 70 consecutive years.
