A father who campaigns against domestic violence after his daughter was strangled to death, was honoured with an invite to the Queen’s garden party.

Chris Phillips, 57, was honoured for his campaign work and was one of 8,000 guests invited to the event organised by the palace.

His 21-year-old daughter, Johanna Croxton, was murdered by her husband, Jonathan, in their home in December 2005.

Mr Croxton was jailed for life in October 2006. The couple had been married for 16 months and had a 14-month-old child when she was strangled.

He said: “This was a very big and special occasion for me and my wife.

“I had a tear in my eye when we walked the Palace courtyard and my wife whispered how proud she was of me.”

Mr Phillips did not get a chance to meet the Queen but said she looked very regal in a lemon hat and suit.

She mingled with the guests specially chosen by the palace for their considerable contribution to society.

Mr Phillips said: “The afternoon was especially poignant as I had wished to take my daughter there one day.”