Student who was homeless at 16 gets royal invitation

A University of Essex student, who was homeless at 16 and never dreamt of studying for a degree, has described attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace as an “incredible moment”.

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

The first-year BA Events Management student had been left ‘sofa-surfing’ aged 16 after struggling with living at home whilst identifying as a trans man. With help from Action for Children’s Guernsey Nightstop service he eventually entered foster care and is now studying at Essex’s Edge Hotel School.

Speaking about 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.”

Asked what the most memorable thing about the day was, he said: “That the royal band played nearly the entire Abba discography. I had no idea His Majesty was such a fan!”

Speaking about his journey to higher education, Charlie explained that when he was first made homeless, he didn’t think he would even complete his A Levels.

Having worked with young people’s groups and local government to help make safer spaces and policies for people with similar backgrounds, he was inspired to pursue a career in events management.

“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 said.

He was attracted to Edge Hotel School because of its unique model of education which combines practical learning in a fully commercial hotel and traditional classroom-based teaching.

“The range in event styles that I get the opportunity to partake in provides me with a deep store of skills that I can apply to whatever path I take,” he said.

He cites industry-led opportunities as one of the best things about his Edge education: “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, who attended the Buckingham Palace party with the children’s services manager at Action for Children in Guernsey, had this advice for homeless young people: “Find peace with yourself. At a time where you have no control of anything, in your most vulnerable state with no protectors - the one thing that will keep you grounded is knowing that nothing is a consequence or deserved.

“You did nothing to be at fault. Only when you are settled with that, can you drive yourself to security.”