One very special Red at Wembley

Friday 24 May 2024 14:14

The FA Cup final will be attended by Prince William in his role as FA president, with the Prince of Wales greeting the teams before the match and presenting the trophy to the winning team after the full-time whistle.

But as well as the heir to the throne, another very special guest will be watching from the Royal Box, a remarkable United fan who has lived through 11 of our 12 FA Cup triumphs and much more besides.

Dr James Burt, from Bury, turns 102 this month, and has lived an incredible life worthy of a boy's-own story.

Dr James Burt will be watching from the Royal Box this weekend.

He is the oldest-surviving RAF doctor and was a medical officer at RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton from 1946-48, looking after Bomber Command and the Dambusters 617 Squadron.

Last year, a special tea party was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters’ raids, where Dr Burt met King Charles III.

Dr Burt will be attending the final with his son, the Rt Hon Alistair Burt, the former MP for north-east Bedfordshire.

In Dr Burt’s lifetime, United have lifted 62 major trophies – let’s hope he is celebrating a 63rd this weekend!

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