The clerk of Kingsteignton Town Council was among the honoured guests at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of her public service.

Michelle Lewis-Clarke was nominated by the town council to attend as a representative of the Devon Association of Local Councils, and was accompanied by her daughter Emily.

She said: “We arrived promptly at 3pm through the main entrance of Buckingham Palace along with approximately 8,000 other guests. We were also fortunate enough to be positioned near the front when the Royal Family arrived and the National Anthem was played.

“Present on the day were Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Zara Tindall, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

“The atmosphere was very formal, with ladies wearing dresses, hats and fascinators, and gentlemen dressed in morning suits and formal attire.

“Afternoon tea was served in the marquees whilst military bands performed throughout the gardens.”

The garden parties are a chance for the royal family to thank members of the public for charity work, community service or acts of selfless bravery.

At the event Michelle met Leanne Lucas, victim and heroine of the Southport stabbings in July 2024 in which three little girls were murdered. Despite being knifed several times, Leanne managed to get some of the children safely out of the building.

Michelle said: “Hearing her story was incredibly humbling and moving.”

The occasion also brought to mind Michelle’s husband, Jim, who died in January 2025 aged 58 after developing prostate cancer at the relatively young age of 47. He campaigned for wider NHS screening of men under 50 for the condition, which can be symptomless at a stage where diagnosis and treatment are possible. By the time Jim had received his diagnosis, it was too late.

“I felt throughout the day that he would have been incredibly proud of us both,” she said.

“Overall, it was a truly memorable and special experience.”