- Hasmukh Shingadia, a postal worker from Upper Bucklebury, was falsely accused of theft due to a fault in the Post Office’s computer system.
- The Middleton family has supported Hasmukh throughout his fight for justice.
- Despite the hardships, Kate Middleton invited Hasmukh to her wedding to Prince William.
- The affair exposed systemic problems within the British Post Office and led to honors being revoked.
It was in the village of Upper Bucklebury, in Berkshire, that an unexpected story of friendship was woven between Hasmukh Shingadia and the Middleton family, as told by The Mirror. Unfairly accused of theft due to a failure in the accounting system, the postman in place since the 90s had to fight against the law and received the support of the Middletons.
In 2011, a turning point occurred: Hasmukh is accused of false accounting over Fujitsu’s Horizon system, resulting in an apparent deficit of 16,000 pounds sterling (around 19,000 euros). However, instead of turning away from him, the Middletons continued to support him, a show of trust that would prove crucial. During this tumultuous period, Hasmukh’s relationship with the Middletons grew stronger, culminating in an unexpected invitation to Kate and William’s royal wedding, a significant gesture that underscored the importance of community ties and loyalty.
Postman accused of theft, Middleton family supports him
Hasmukh’s fight against unfair accusations is not isolated. It echoes that of nearly 700 other postal workers across the UK who have fallen victim to the same flawed accounting system.. These mistakes not only led to significant financial losses for Hasmukh – who invested his own savings and borrowed from his family to cover deficits – but also had a profound impact on his personal life. Diagnosed with cancer and having lost his mother during this time, he faced considerable hardship.
Throughout his fight for justice, Hasmukh has enjoyed the unwavering support of the Middleton family. They continued to frequent his store and even attended a party celebrating the overturning of his conviction in 2021. This support was a moral pillar for Hasmukh, who felt isolated and stigmatized by many other villagers.
The case of Hasmukh and the other unfairly accused postal workers ultimately led to a movement for reform within the British postal system. Investigations are underway to rehabilitate the victims and re-examine the errors made by those responsible for the British Postal Service. This episode, marked by scandal and solidarity, highlights the importance of justice and community support, exemplified in the story of Hasmukh Shingadia and his unexpected connection to British royalty.
