Prince Harry has returned to the UK for the first time since April to attend the WellChild Awards in London – just hours after visiting the late Queen’s grave.
Prince Harry bonded with children as he arrived at the annual WellChild Awards in London(Image: PA)
Prince Harry delighted children today at the WellChild Awards in London by engaging in a playful balloon sword fight, just hours after landing in his home country for the first time since April.
The Duke of Sussex turned up at the Royal Lancaster Hotel for the occasion wearing a smart suit as he prepared to deliver a speech during the awards ceremony marking their 20th anniversary.
Following a photo opportunity with the Vice Chairman of WellChild, Harry met with some of the children set to receive awards during the ceremony. The Duke of Sussex spent time with numerous young participants, offering each one individual attention.
In one heartwarming moment captured on WellChild’s Instagram stories, Prince Harry met with a young girl called Gwen, who proudly displayed her fancy trainers to the royal before participating in a balloon sword fight, the Mirror reports.
Nine year old Gwen also gave Harry presents for his own children, Archie and Lilibet. Gwen handed the Duke of Sussex two gift bags, each containing a purple football shirt from Brighton Hove and Albion team, featuring his children’s names and ages.
“Best gift ever, thank you so much,” Harry told her. “This is so cool, it’s going to make them so happy.”
Another young winner, 13 year old Ansel Hayward, who received the Inspirational Young Person 12-14 Award, also gifted him with wrapped books for his children. Prince Harry engaged in a conversation with six year old Esmee, who will receive an award during the ceremony, as she took an interest in his polka dot tie.
Before the award ceremony commenced, the Duke of Sussex spoke to several different parents and carers, praising their courage and strength.
Prince Harry engaged in an adorable balloon fight with young Gwen at the awards(Image: PA)
In honour of the 20th anniversary of the WellChild awards, previous winners were invited back. Prince Harry met with these past winners, reminiscing about the years he presented them with awards.
His attendance at the awards comes just hours after Harry arrived in the UK and visited the late Queen’s tomb in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed. He laid a wreath and flowers and paid his respects privately.
Just miles away, his estranged brother, Prince William and his wife, the Princess of Wales, also paid tribute to the late Queen on the third anniversary of her death. They visited the National Federation of Women’s Institute (WI), in Sunningdale, only eight miles from Windsor Castle, which holds a special significance to the late Queen.
Harry’s attendance at the WellChild Awards in London is in his capacity as the charity’s patron, a role he has held for more than 15 years. Speculation has arisen over whether the Duke will meet his father, the King, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment and spent the weekend in Scotland.
Harry was given gifts for his children Archie and Lilibet(Image: Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP via GettyImages)
The visit follows a recent meeting dubbed ‘peace talks’ by senior aides to Harry and his father, in what was reported to be a step forward in restoring the relationship between the pair, and the extended royal family.
The WellChild awards, which honours the achievements and resilience of seriously ill children and their families, are taking place exactly three years since the late Queen, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8 aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
At the ceremony, Harry will deliver a speech, spend time with gravely ill youngsters and their relatives, and present a prize to an “inspirational child” aged between four and six. The duke has previously attended the awards on 14 occasions and has served as the charity’s patron for 17 years.
The organisation describes itself as the national UK children’s charity “making it possible for children and young people with complex medical needs to thrive at home instead of hospital, wherever possible.”
In a statement released before his arrival, Harry said: “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.”
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