'The Union Jack Man' passes away at age of 91
The man from Weston-super-Mare became famous for his dedication to The Royal Family
Terry Hutt, affectionately recognised as "The Union Jack Man" by the late Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away at the age of 91.
Hutt, from Weston-super-Mare, became famous for his dedication to the Royal Family, often camping outside hospitals in anticipation of royal births.
His devotion to the monarchy began at the tender age of four when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited his family following the Blitz in London, gifting him a souvenir mug.
Hutt's royal enthusiasm led to moments such as in 2013, where he spent nearly two weeks outside London's St Mary's Hospital prior to Prince George's birth, sustained by hospital staff with porridge and tea.
At age 79, he revisited the same hospital bench to await Princess Charlotte's arrival.
Hutt's daughter, Tracey Joy, praised her father as a "tireless" advocate for the NHS and Birnbeck Pier as she remembered him fondly - calling him a "campaigner, friend, and family man."
"My dad was all about living in the moment, and I strived to provide everything he wanted and make everything happen as the ideas entered into his mind over the years, because as we all know, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed," Tracey Joy said.
Reflecting on funeral plans, Hutt had shared thoughts on a pure cremation, following in the footsteps of his only surviving brother.
Joy said: "He thought that was a jolly good idea and that his ashes would be with those of his son Paul that my mum and dad heartbreakingly lost in a cot death when my mum was 6 months pregnant with myself. Also with Gary, who was born after myself, sadly with spina bifida and survived only a few previous hours."
Terry's family have now launched a GoFundMe page.
"So living in the moment didn’t provide any savings for this sad event. It would be really helpful to help us overcome this financial hurdle ❤️," she added.