An 81-year-old grandmother has said she was left "speechless" after receiving a special invitation from Princess Kate.
Ann Davies, who has spent a decade helping vulnerable people in Stockton-on-Tees, found herself among royalty and celebrities at Westminster Abbey earlier this month.
Mrs Davies received an invitation to attend the Princess of Wales's annual Christmas carol service on December 5, an honour that left her lost for words.
"I couldn't believe it, I was speechless," Mrs Davies said of the moment she learned she would be attending the prestigious event.
Grandmother, 81, left 'speechless' after receiving special invitation from Princess Kate
|ANN DAVIES / GETTY
The volunteer was selected alongside other local heroes from across the country to join the 1,600 guests at the festive celebration in the historic abbey.
Mrs Davies has devoted the past 10 years to The Moses Project, a charity in Stockton-on-Tees that offers guidance, mentoring and assistance to hundreds of adult men struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
As a former school catering manager, she now prepares meals for approximately 50 men at the project, building relationships that go far deeper than simply providing food.
"We're the only family these men have in some cases," she told the BBC. "It's a trust that we've built up, it really is lovely. I'm known as Granny."
Princess Kate arriving at Westminster Abbey for her Christmas carol concert
| GETTYBeyond her kitchen duties, the grandmother of three also serves as a responsible adult at Middlesbrough police station, offering support to vulnerable individuals following their arrest.
The atmosphere inside Westminster Abbey proved unforgettable for Mrs Davies, who secured a prime position for the occasion.
"We were on the front row, so of course Catherine was coming up and down talking to children near the front, and she stopped about two places along from me," she recalled.
The abbey had been decorated with Christmas trees throughout, creating a festive backdrop as guests enjoyed traditional carols, musical performances and poetry readings from actors including Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Princess Kate greeting attendees at the carol service
|PA
Prince William delivered a Bible reading during the service, while Mrs Davies watched the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive with their three children.
Stella Jones, operations manager at The Moses Project, explained why Mrs Davies was among those chosen when the charity received two tickets for the event.
"Someone who is 81 and is still giving to society and showing compassion and caring is admirable, we think a lot of her," the 70-year-old said, noting that Mrs Davies has "a heart for the people she cooks for".
Princess Kate looked stunning in green at the service
|PA
Before joining The Moses Project, Mrs Davies had supported a group for vulnerable women in the area, and she has witnessed both joy and heartbreak over the years.
"We've had a few laughs, we've had a few tears over the years as they have got trapped in that lifestyle," she reflected.
Despite her age, retirement holds no appeal for the dedicated volunteer: "There's no way I'm quitting you know, while I'm standing."