A pet wellbeing entrepreneur honoured by the King almost missed the royal ceremony after his taxi failed to turn up, forcing him into a frantic dash across central London on a rented e-bike.

Martyn Bartlett-Judge, from Exeter, who is managing director of Devon-based Pet Remedy, weaved through heavy traffic from Covent Garden, along the Strand, around Trafalgar Square and up The Mall to St James's Palace after realising he was running out of time.

The dramatic last-minute sprint ensured he arrived in time to receive the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise for Innovation, and even gave King Charles III a story to smile about.

Far from being unimpressed, the King was reportedly highly amused when Martyn explained the lengths he had gone to in order to make the ceremony.

Martyn said: "It's probably the fastest I've ever cycled. I was dodging traffic, tourists and red lights thinking, 'I can't keep the King waiting!' It turned out to be quite an adventure, and His Majesty saw the funny side too when I told him the story."

The Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who were also attending the event, were equally fascinated to hear about Pet Remedy and its pioneering work improving the emotional wellbeing of animals.

Pet Remedy received the King's Award for Enterprise for Innovation in recognition of its portfolio of calming products, designed to help animals cope with stress and anxiety without sedation.

The company's patented formula is used to naturally calm the nervous system while allowing animals to remain alert and responsive. Suitable for mammals, birds and reptiles, the products are now used by pet owners, veterinary professionals, rescue organisations and behaviourists around the world.

The innovation was developed in the UK and has been continually refined since its launch, with the latest reformulated blend introduced in 2025.

Martyn said: "This is an extraordinary honour for Pet Remedy and a hugely proud moment for everyone connected with the business.

"We have always believed animal emotional wellbeing deserves to be taken seriously, and this award is powerful recognition of that. It reflects years of research, determination and a commitment to creating a product that genuinely helps animals, while giving owners and professionals a trusted, natural option."