Young cerebral palsy sufferer Holly Edwards is still on a high after her dream Christmas Day meeting with Prince William.

Holly, 12, of Rettendon Gardens, Wickford, braved the cold weather to join wellwishers outside Sandringham as the Royal Family attended a Christmas Day service.

She decided to make the pilgrimage after receiving a letter from the Prince earlier this year - congratulating the Southend pupil on swimming a mile.

He chatted to Holly and her family for five minutes after mum Caroline Edwards called him over.

Mrs Edwards said: "He looked a bit shy and I said I think we have embarrassed you.

"He told me not to worry as it happens all the time and he is easily embarrassed."

Holly was waiting in the wheelchair enclosure with her 14-year-old cousin Kimberley Pullen of Market Avenue, Wickford.

Both were already big fans of Prince William. Kimberley said: "Both William and Harry were really friendly and William cares like his mum did."

The cousins were in Norfolk visiting their grandparents for Christmas and made the 16-mile journey to see the Royal Family for the second year running.

For Holly, meeting Prince William again was extra-special because of the letter.

Holly, a pupil at Kingsdown school for the Physically Handicapped in Snakes Lane, Southend, said: "Prince William had just done some swimming achievement at Eton so I wrote to say well done.

"I got a letter back from his secretary at Buckingham Palace which said 'Prince William wants me to send you his belated best wishes for your 12th birthday and sincere congratulations on achieving your one mile certificate by swimming 64 lengths in your school swimming pool.'

"I was really delighted."

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