A DARTON man was reunited with his former schoolmate Mike Tindall at the Royal Garden Party earlier this month.

Munir Mamujee MBE, 50, was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his services to education and export, presented by Princess Anne in Buckingham Palace’s throne room.

He admits his invitation to the Royal Garden Party earlier this month was ‘out of the blue’ - but said he it was an honour to visit the palace for the second time.

Munir attended the event with his wife, Kirstie Trasler.

He told the Chronicle: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“It was a very wet day but you can’t control that - it was just wonderful.

“I’ve been to the palace before when I got my MBE but the garden party is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It was out of the blue to receive the invitation but it was very much an honour to be invited to it.”

Munir, who attended QEGS Wakefield at the same time as Mike Tindall, even had the chance to speak with the former England rugby captain who is now a member of the Royal Family.

“The last time I went to the palace it was really nerve-wracking, but this time it was more relaxed.

“We got to see a few of the Royals and it was just a nice family event.

“Prince William was there, as were Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.

“I was Mike Tindall’s form prefect at school and I had a nice chat with him about that as well.”