The Princess of Wales was reunited with a young abuse survivor as she opened a new children’s surgery unit.

Tony Hudgell, who lives with his adoptive parents in Kings Hill, was among the guests at Evelina London’s new facility.

The schoolboy was treated at the hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, after he had both legs amputated at the knee aged four due to abuse he suffered at the hands of his birth parents as a baby.

Now aged nine, Tony was photographed chatting with Kate today during a tour of Evelina’s new unit, which enables staff to provide a one-stop service for youngsters needing surgery.

Mrs Hudgell broke down in tears after the princess posed for a photo with the family and she was hugged by the royal.

She said afterwards: “I’m just emotional and overwhelmed, she just makes such an impact and she’s just so kind and has such a big heart.”

It was not the first time Tony had met Kate.

In 2021, the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were said to have been "truly incredible" with the youngster when they spoke to him at a carol concert.

Tony's fundraising through sponsored walks has now passed the £1.8 million mark, his adoptive parents said after their son met Kate.

He was 41 days old when he was assaulted by his birth parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, an attack which caused multiple fractures, dislocations and blunt trauma to the face, leading to organ failure, toxic shock and sepsis.

He was left untreated and in agony for days, and due to the extent of his injuries both his legs had to be amputated.

Smith and Simpson were sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for the cruelty they inflicted on the youngster in their squalid Maidstone flat.

The pair, who later moved to Whitstable, were due for release in autumn 2022 but that decision was pushed back after then-Justice Secretary Dominic Raab on the grounds of public safety being at risk.

However, Simpson was released in February, to Mrs Hudgell’s dismay.

Tony and his adoptive parents have campaigned for harsher sentences for child cruelty offences with Tony’s Law now in effect as a result.

The family are now calling for donations to help raise cash to rent a home for at least a month – ideally a year – near the Sheffield Children’s Hospital where Tony is due to have potentially life-changing surgery to improve his mobility.

Kate is patron of Evelina London and she was joined for the visit by the hospital’s chief executive, Gubby Ayida, who paid tribute to the visiting royal.

Ms Ayida said: “The NHS at the moment we’ve got waiting lists, backlogs and all that.

“The feel good factor it [Kate’s visit] brings to all staff it’s just something, it’s special…it’s lifted the whole place, it’s been amazing.”