A GIRL who has battled courageously against problems with her sight was honoured with the opportunity to meet the Queen at a charity gala.
Maddie Scott, 8, of Mill Lane, Danbury, took her place in a line-up including singing stars Il Divo and Michael Ball at the event at St James' Palace on June 3 to present Her Majesty with a bouquet.
"The Queen was quite posh but she said she liked the flowers, and I had a really nice day," said Maddie.
"I also spoke to Michael Ball and he said he thought I was a princess from the palace, I think he said it to make me smile but it was still a really nice thing to say."
Organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Maddie from Danbury, was handpicked to attend the star-studded event after her "zest for life" was spotted at a musical workshop run by the charity.
"When we asked her if she'd like to meet the Queen, Maddie jumped up and down with joy, and screamed," said mother Penny.
"She was just enthralled by the whole day and – even though the Queen was there – she was the centre of attention.
"Afterwards a gentleman approached her and asked to give her a present – he then handed her two £50 notes, which was amazing."
Maddie was born with congenital cataracts and nystagmus, a condition that required her lenses to be removed at a young age and which has left her unable to focus from more than a few feet away.
She later developed glaucoma, a build-up of pressure in the eye, which is treated with daily drops, and laser surgery. But the youngster has not let that stop her from pursuing her passions and counts judo, gymnastics, playing piano and swimming amongst her extra-curricular activities.
"She'd do more if I let her, she's got such a zest for life," added Penny, a bookkeeper. "I think that's partly why they chose her to meet the Queen. They approached us after a workshop and said she was just so lovely."
A film crew from the national charity also followed the family in their daily lives prior to Monday's event to feature in a promotional video shown to guests on the day.
The glamorous audience included charity vice-presidents Rod Stewart, and wife Penny Lancaster, but the Queen shared her time equally among the guests.
"When Maddie presented the posy Her Majesty thanked her, and said how beautiful the flowers were – Maddie just beamed at her," said mother-of-two Penny.
"This week has been an absolute whirlwind; I don't think I'll ever have another like it."
