After losing his wife eight years ago, a former boxer on the hunt for companionship never dreamed he would find a friend in an heir to the throne.

Sid Nathan, 92, married his childhood sweetheart Lillian after meeting her at a dance more than 70 years ago.

Originally from east London, the pair moved to Borehamwood where Sid worked as a professional boxer, winning many fights and later becoming a well-known boxing referee, overseeing more than 1,300 fights in 30 years.

But eight years ago, Lillian died from a heart condition and Sid’s world fell apart and he began attending Jewish Care’s Edgware and Harrow Jewish Day Centre, in Stonegrove, Edgware, three times a week.

He said: “There was only ever one woman in my life and that was my Lillian.

“Waking up every morning and finding Lilian is not with me is one of the hardest things. Also having no one there for companionship and to talk to.

“But the day centre is a community. I love coming here not for the activities, they’re fine, but for the friendship.

“Without all my friends I’d be alone all day staring at four walls. I couldn’t live without it.”

Having been attending the Harrow centre for around five years, he met Prince William at the Jewish Care’s 25th anniversary fundraising dinner at Alexandra Palace.

Joined by son Raymond, daughter in law Janet and daughter Ann, along with centre manager Jacey Harris, the group were invited to meet Prince William as they attended the lavish dinner to raise money for the charity.

Janet, who lives in Buckinghamshire and visits her father in law every Tuesday to help around the house, said: “It was a very grand affair, with no expense spared at all.

“We attended as guests, and we were very well looked after and had a brilliant time watching Lionel Richie perform and hearing the prince speak.

“Sid is over the moon - he’ll be dining off this and boring the other people who live in his complex for a long time to come.

"He's so pleased he's had this opportunity thanks to the centre. Going there has made a big difference to his life."

The event was one of the Duke of Cambridge’s first public appearances since the birth of his daughter, Princess Charlotte.

He was welcomed with a surprise performance of Hello by singer Lionel Richie, and later praised guests for their role in supporting older and vulnerable members of the community before meeting service users such as Sid.

A record breaking £5.1 million was raised on the evening, which will go directly to provide much needed social care services for the community.