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Longtime royal supporter Terry Hutt passes away
A well-known admirer of the British royal family, affectionately dubbed "The Union Jack Man" by Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 91. Terry Hutt, from Weston-super-Mare, spent decades camping outside hospitals to celebrate royal births.
A lifelong passion for the monarchy
Hutt's devotion to the royals began at age four when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited his family after the Blitz in London, presenting him with a souvenir mug. This early encounter ignited a lifelong admiration.
In 2013, he camped on a bench for nearly two weeks ahead of Prince George's birth, surviving on porridge and tea provided by hospital staff. Six years later, at 79, he returned to the same spot to await Princess Charlotte's arrival.
"Every baby that's born, people say to me 'it's only another baby,' but this is a royal baby-there's a difference," he said in 2019. "My wife tells me I'm mad. I have a waterproof outfit, a tarpaulin over the bench, decorated with Union Jacks. We call it the royal bench."
Beyond the royals: NHS and local causes
While Hutt was best known for his royal enthusiasm, he was also a tireless advocate for other causes. His daughter, Tracey Joy, described him as a "fighter" who campaigned vigorously for the NHS and the restoration of Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
"He collected thousands of signatures for the pier's restoration," Joy said. "A life well lived, and as we grieve, we look back at his fight for life and love for his family."
A final battle with illness
Despite multiple health challenges, including kidney cancer and several surgeries, Hutt remained active in his passions until the end. Joy reflected on his resilience, noting that reaching 91 was "a miracle."
"Each time he came out fighting," she said. "But in the end, heart failure, pneumonia, and sepsis took him."
Legacy and tributes
Hutt's dedication to the royal family and local causes left a lasting impression. His daughter emphasized his unwavering spirit, saying, "He continued to do everything he loved, despite his many ailments."
