Seven-year-old boy killed in collision is buried in his favorite cemetery after King Charles gave permission for the funeral

A boy who died in a collision was today buried in his favorite cemetery after King Charles III gave permission for the burial.

William Brown Jr, aged seven, died on December 6 after being hit by a car while collecting a football from the road near his home in Folkestone.

He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

He was buried in the church of St Mary and St Eanswythe in Folkestone, Kent, after his mother handed a note to the king seeking permission.

William's family had to campaign to have the burial in the historic cemetery as it has been closed since 1855, with only the monarch able to overturn a closure order from the Privy Council.

On Christmas Day, William's mother, Laura, traveled four hours to Sandringham – where the royal family was attending a church service – with a personal letter to King Charles asking for his help. The letter was handed over to security personnel.

Just five days later, King Charles and members of the Privy Council revealed that they would withdraw the order in support of the wishes of William's family.

William Snr said his son attended St Eanswythe's school and found 'peace' at the neighboring church, where he often went after lessons.

He said: 'After school it was a struggle every day to get him out of the graveyard as he collected conkers and picked wild garlic.

'It is our wish to have William buried on the grounds. William loved digging holes and being part of the earth.

“My son told me that when he was digging that hole with me, he felt safe underground. We need him where he wants to be.”

The grieving father added: “I'm really struggling, we all are. I can't explain the pain. I try to use the energy I have to arrange the best farewell and funeral for my son that he would have wanted.'

Before the service, William's casket was transported through the area in a white horse-drawn carriage, followed by a hearse with flowers.

The procession departed from William's father's house, then traveled on to his mother's house, finally continuing to Folkestone to the Church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe.

His funeral will be live-streamed and screens have also been installed outside the church so mourners can watch the proceedings.

His father, William Brown Sr., explained, “The family wanted to livestream the service because William would have invited everyone.”

He continued: “It's very important to us that we make Will proud, and that we get his message across.

'I have the feeling that at a good farewell, where everyone comes together, he will look down on us and be very proud.

“He is only seven, but it is important to us that he has made an impact and spread good values ​​of love, solidarity and forgiveness.

“Will certainly would have invited everyone.

“Maybe you'll make new friends at the funeral, or maybe you'll be able to reach someone.

'Hug someone and show some love. Maybe you'll see a neighbor there and build a new relationship.

“That's what Will would want. So make sure you are present.

“It's really appreciated.”

Paying tribute to his young son, Mr Brown Sr added: “Will was loving and caring and he accepted everyone.

'There are stories of him playing football and people being left out and him going to get them.

“He united everyone because he had a warm heart and loved bringing people together.

“Will would never make a big deal or a big scene out of it. He would just forgive, forget and move on.”

Nearly 24 hours after William's death, a 49-year-old man was arrested in Dymchurch.

He was questioned by detectives on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

He has been released on bail until March 6.