"Kate's a big hugger," one of the Princess of Wales' friends previously told PEOPLE
Credit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
NEED TO KNOW
- Princess Kate shared an emotional hug with Tony Gledhill, 88, at a Buckingham Palace event honoring Queen Elizabeth
- Gledhill, a decorated former police officer, attended the event to fulfill his late wife’s wish before her passing
- The royal reception marked what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday and included a rare royal family photo
Kate Middleton had a warm hug for a widower who fulfilled his late wife's wish by attending a special event at Buckingham Palace.
On April 21, the Princess of Wales, 44, shared the emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, 88, at the reception commemorating the 100th anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth's birth.
As seen in a video shared to X by Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, Princess Kate and Gledhill held one another's arms as they shared a close chat at the bash, before she reached to wrap him in a hug.
According to the royal editor, Gledhill told Kate that his wife had recently died and that before her death, his spouse had insisted he attend the palace party.
Credit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
A friend of Princess Kate's previously told PEOPLE that she is a "big hugger" and greets people with affection.
"Kate's a big hugger. She is warm and friendly and greets everyone with a big hug and kiss. It comes naturally to her to be like that," the friend said.
The Princess of Wales shared the moving moment with Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966. Sixty years ago, Gledhill and his police partner Terry McFall chased down criminals who barreled down a one-way street and fired 15 shots at their car, royal editor Russel J. Meyers of The Mirror reported.
The criminals' car reportedly crashed into a truck and they proceeded to attack the officers, who attempted to arrest them. Both Gledhill and McFall were injured in the incident but kept the criminals subdued until backup arrived, and were later decorated for their bravery.
The former officer was one of many people that the Princess of Wales met at the royal reception, which was held to celebrate the late Queen's life and legacy on what would have been her 100th birthday.
Credit: Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty
Princess Kate joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and more working royals to help host the palace party, which was held in the Marble Hall of Buckingham Palace in London.
Invited guests included representatives from a selection of Queen Elizabeth's many patronages and individuals celebrating their 100th birthdays on April 21, sharing a birthdate with the iconic monarch, who died in 2022.
Cake was served, "Happy Birthday" was performed by a band and King Charles and Queen Camilla presented the birthday crew with their cards.
The British royal family members who attended the event also came together for a rare group photo, which provided a good look at Princess Kate's poignant jewelry.
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty
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The Princess of Wales dressed with intention for the royal event and wore the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings with a three-strand pearl necklace that previously belonged to her her late grandmother-in-law.
Credit: People; Rota/Anwar Hussein/Getty
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's birth with a special edition of PEOPLE featuring stories about her life and legacy, on sale now.
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