Princess Kate’s festive gesture left Ann Davies, 81, from Stockton-on-Tees, completely speechless when she received a special invitation to the Princess of Wales’s annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.
The long-time volunteer, who has spent the last decade supporting vulnerable adults through the Moses Project, found herself alongside royalty and celebrities for the December 5 celebration.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was speechless,” Mrs Davies recalled, reflecting on the moment she found out she would be attending the prestigious event.
Known as “Granny,” she prepares meals for about 50 men struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, building relationships that go far beyond the kitchen.
“In some cases we are the only family these men have,” he explained.
Her dedication goes beyond charity work: she also works as a responsible adult at Middlesbrough Police Station, offering counseling to vulnerable people after their arrest.
At the abbey, Mrs Davies enjoyed a front row seat, watching the festive display of Christmas trees, live carols and poetry readings by actors including Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
“Catherine was mingled with the children near the front and stopped just a couple of places away from me,” he said, describing a magical encounter with the Princess herself.
