Unsuspecting guest thought royal wedding invitation was a hoax

Natalie Dixon, 17, of Strensall, will be attending the royal wedding with her father Simon on May 19.

They will be allowed inside Windsor Castle while the ceremony is taking place in St George’s Chapel in the grounds of the castle.

Natalie said: “I am very honoured to be given this chance to go to the royal wedding for both myself and to be there to represent army cadets.

“I am looking forward to the wedding and being able to see the chapel they will be getting married in and being part of the day.”

Natalie, a Huntington School sixth form student, is part of the Army Cadet Force in Yorkshire (north and west) and over the past four years has risen up the levels and ranks to become a staff sergeant.

One of her cadet roles involves helping the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd CBE, and assisting at his events.

She took on this role after receiving the Lord Lieutenants Cadet Award due to her contribution and dedication to the cadets.

The Lord Lieutenant put Natalie forward to be invited to the royal wedding.

After the wedding has finished Natalie and Simon will be allowed to watch the royal couple coming out of the chapel and the carriage procession, before being able able to view St George’s Chapel.

Meanwhile, 80-year-old Mike Bevington, an unsung hero from Harrogate, thought it was a hoax when he received his invitation.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance put him forward for a place on the guest list as he has been a dedicated volunteer for more than a decade, collecting donations and helping at events.

He said: “I was in such a state of shock when I got the letter I really did think it was a hoax initially.”

Mike will be taking his wife, Cathy, to the grounds of Windsor Castle to watch the bride and groom arrive for their big day.

Barry Dodd, Lord Lieutenant, said: “Mike is a real unsung hero. An outstanding volunteer and an inspiration to any retired person who would like to give their time to a charity of their choice.”