The Duke of Sussex will visit the UK for the first time since his losing his court battle with the Home Office over his security.
Announcing that he would attend the WellChild annual awards ceremony on September 8, Prince Harry praised “the power of compassion, connection and community”. He will meet children and carers, give a speech and present the award for the most inspirational child aged four to six.
Harry’s wife, Meghan, and their two children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, are not expected to accompany him.
In May the duke lost his long-running legal challenge to reinstate his right to police security in the UK. In an interview with the BBC shortly after his defeat at the High Court, Harry said that his father “won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.”
He said: “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point. And the things that they’re going to miss is, well, everything. You know, I love my country. I always have done, despite what some people in that country have done … I think that it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.”
Acknowledging that his autobiography, Spare, contributed to the breakdown of relations between him and the rest of his family, Harry added: “Some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things. But I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight any more.”
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In July, two of Harry’s PR advisers were seen meeting with the King’s head of communications after the duke stated that he would like to be reconciled with this family. It is not known whether the King will find time to meet Harry on his trip because Charles is expected to be in Scotland.
The awards will be the 15th WellChild ceremony attended by Harry, who has been patron of the charity for 17 years.
He said: “I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit. For 20 years these awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers — family and professionals — who support them every step of the way. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.”
The duke at last year’s awards
CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES
The charity, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, was set up to help seriously ill children and their families.
Last year’s ceremony was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London and hosted by the presenter Gaby Roslin. Celebrity guests included Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, Rylan Clark and Oti Mabuse, with performances from Beverley Knight and Pixie Lott.