Prince Harry is set to return to the UK later this month to participate in the prestigious WellChild Awards in London. As the charity’s patron, the Duke of SusđâŻđ will honor the annual event, which supports seriously ill children.
WellChild is one of the few UK-based organizations with which Harry has maintained a connection following his departure from royal duties and relocation to the US. He decided to retain this patronage, which he has held for 16 years, even after his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, requested that he step down from his other royal roles as a non-working member of the family.
There was no mention of his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of SusđâŻđ, accompanying him.
Reports suggest that Prince Harry is set to travel to the UK later this month to attend the WellChild Awards, amid ongoing speculation about his relationship with his father, King Charles. Although Meghan Markle has reportedly vowed never to return to the UK, Harry’s visit could provide a rare opportunity for father and son to meet privately.
The King has been based in Scotland for his cancer treatment but returns to London regularly. However, he has a significant engagement in Scotland just two days before Harryâs arrival, which may prevent them from seeing each other. Their last encounter was in February, shortly after the King announced his diagnosis, but their planned meeting in May fell through due to the Kingâs busy schedule.
Sources close to the SusđâŻđes indicate that Harry is eager to reconcile with his father and hopes to visit the UK more frequently. However, his legal battle with the Home Office over his security detail remains a contentious issue. Trust between Harry and the royal family has been strained, particularly following the revelations in his memoir and leaks regarding private family conversations.
The WellChild Awards was always one of the highlights of Prince Harry’s calendar when he was a working royal and celebrate the inspirational qualities of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs, as well as honour the dedication of family and carers.
In its announcement WellChild said Harry had provided ‘invaluable help’ in raising awareness and financial contributions over the years.
He has attended the WellChild Awards on twelve previous occasions and will spend time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception.
He will also be in the audience at the ceremony and present the Award for Inspirational Child (aged 4-6) and deliver a speech.
In a statement he said: ‘I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs. These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.’
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James commented: ‘Across the UK, an increasing number of children and young people are living with long-term, complex medical.
‘Alongside their families, they navigate extraordinary challenges each day. Through the WellChild Awards 2024, in association with GSK, we aim to highlight the immense difficulties they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit.
‘This event also offers an opportunity to honour the selfless dedication of those who support them â whether it be siblings, parent carers or professionals who have gone above and beyond to give these children the best possible chance to thrive.’
It comes after The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen in wishing Prince Harry a happy birthday on social media, posting messages to mark the Duke of SusđâŻđ’s 40th birthday.
The last time the royals shared a public greeting for Harry’s birthday was back in 2021, suggesting that relations have improved in more recent months.
The authority X, previously Twitter, represent the Imperial Family, presented the birthday wishes on Sovereign Harry around 8:30am UK time, and William and Kate’s true record shared a comparative hello early in the day.
While pressures among William and Harry remain, it was questionable whether Ruler William would make a public motion to recognize his sibling’s achievement birthday.
The unexpected hello should have been visible as a peace offering that could assist with smoothing relations between the fighting kin.
Prior, the Lord and Sovereign’s straightforward message, set apart with a birthday cake emoticon read: ‘Wishing The Duke of SusđâŻđ an extremely cheerful 40th birthday celebration today!’
