A TRANSGENDER Essex University student who was left homeless as a teenager has spoken of the "overwhelming" experience of attending a Buckingham Palace garden party after receiving a royal invite.

Charlie Murray-Edwards, originally from Guernsey, was invited by the charity Action for Children to attend the event hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

At 16, the first-year BA Events Management student was left homeless and 'sofa-surfing' after facing difficulties living at home while identifying as a trans man.

Action for Children’s Guernsey Nightstop service offered him support, leading him into foster care, and he is currently studying at Essex’s Edge Hotel School.

Reflecting on the royal event, Charlie said: "The garden party at the palace was an incredible moment, and to also be one of the youngest in attendance was a great honour.

"The weather was beautifully paired with the lush private gardens.

"Being surrounded by people in uniforms and draped in medals gave me an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride."

Discussing his most memorable moment from the day, Charlie said: "The royal band played nearly the entire Abba discography.

"I had no idea His Majesty was such a fan."

Charlie shared his journey to higher education, explaining how when he initially became homeless, completing A Levels seemed unattainable.

Inspired by his work with young people’s groups and local government towards making safer spaces and policies for individuals from similar backgrounds, he felt motivated to pursue a career in events management.

He said: "Seeing the difference I can make through events reassures me that my adverse childhood wasn't wasted and that it isn't a defining factor of my character."

He found Edge Hotel School appealing due to its combination of practical experience within a fully commercial hotel and traditional academic lessons.

Charlie added: "We often work with leading companies in the industry and attend conferences giving us the chance to see the operations behind the fancy names and quiz the people who run the show."

Charlie shared his experience at the royal event in company with the children’s services manager from Action for Children in Guernsey.