Thomas's delight at his right royal reply from our new King!

Reporter: Simon Smedley
Date published: 04 November 2022


It was a particularly proud day in the Garside household when 10-year-old Thomas was shocked to receive a very special - and personally signed - letter from the new head of the United Kingdom - King Charles III.

After the Queen sadly passed away on September 8, Thomas, who lives in Chadderton and attends Mills Hill Primary School, felt compelled to write a letter to the newly-crowned King to express his sorrow and to wish him well for the future.

Fast forward almost two months and Thomas was ecstatic to receive a response, signed by the man himself! 

In the reply to Thomas, King Charles wrote: "It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother.

"Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow."

It is then signed by His Royal Highness.

Thomas's proud Dad Simon, who works for Telford-based CityFibre, told the Chronicle: "It’s safe to say that Thomas was somewhat happy, and we are so proud of him."

Simon added: "After a family trip to London earlier this year, Thomas loved visiting key landmarks and showed a key interest in the Tower of London, and the history of the royal family, especially the crown jewels.

Thomas lives at home with Dad Simon, Mum Laura, and sister Alexandra

He loves football and is an avid Manchester United fan.

He also plays for Chadderton FC under-11s and loves to build Lego, hoping one day to maybe build the Tower of London, or even Buckingham Palace!


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