In a powerful and emotional speech at the 20th annual WellChild Awards in London, Prince Harry paid heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary children and
In a powerful and emotional speech at the 20th annual WellChild Awards in London, Prince Harry paid heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary children and families honoured at the event, calling them “beacons of hope and inspiration” who continue to “show us the light when all too often darkness can consume us.”
The Duke of Sussex, who has been patron of WellChild for 17 years, returned to the UK to attend the ceremony, hosted at the Royal Lancaster Hotel and supported by GSK. This marked his first public appearance in Britain since April — and a rare visit since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
“This is your moment,” Harry told the young winners. “While we reflect on twenty years of these awards, the truth is that you are the story. You are the reason we gather here… Keep fighting. Keep smiling. And above all, keep showing us what strength, courage, and joy really look like.”
“Hooked from Day One” – Harry Reflects on Two Decades of WellChild
Looking back on his first WellChild Awards nearly two decades ago, Harry recalled how the experience left an immediate impression.
“I still remember my very first WellChild Awards, eighteen years ago — before the beard, before the hair,” he joked. “Within about three minutes I realised two things: the love and energy in the room was palpable… and the unpredictability was real! I was completely hooked.”
He continued: “This night has been a highlight of my year ever since. It’s all because of you – these children, this cause, and our WellChild community.”
Since 2004, WellChild has supported seriously ill children and their families across the UK, working to enable more care to happen at home rather than in hospital. Today, the charity employs 53 specialist nurses and has celebrated 311 award winners over its 20-year history.
Personal Tribute, Private Pilgrimage
Earlier in the day, the Duke made a solemn stop at Windsor Castle to honour the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Harry laid flowers at her final resting place in the George VI Memorial Chapel at St George’s Chapel before heading to the awards ceremony.
An Unforgettable Night of Courage and Community
On stage, Harry presented the award for Inspirational Child (ages 4–6) to six-year-old Esmée McGlinchey — a Peppa Pig fan with a love for music and splashing in water. Born at just 28 weeks, Esmée has undergone 35 surgeries, including major operations on her brain, lungs, and bowel, and requires 24-hour care.
Her resilience moved both the Duke and the audience. The pair posed for photos alongside WellChild ambassador Gaby Roslin and other young winners.
“For two decades, this event has shone a bright spotlight on children living with complex medical needs,” Harry said. “But more than that, it has celebrated your courage, your resilience, and the extraordinary love of the families and carers who never stop showing up.”
A Call to Action
Concluding his speech, Prince Harry urged the audience — a mix of families, celebrities, and supporters — to do more than just celebrate the moment.
“More than ever, WellChild’s mission must be our shared priority,” he said. “Tonight, I’d ask each of you to think about how you can play your part — whether through support, awareness, or action — to help advance this crucial work.”
A Star-Studded Evening
The night was also a glittering celebration of star power and solidarity, with celebrity guests including Ronnie and Sally Wood, singer Joss Stone, actress Patsy Kensit, and Strictly Come Dancing stars Oti Mabuse and Janette Manrara. Other presenters and performers included Molly-Mae Hague, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Pussycat Dolls’ Kimberley Wyatt, Gladiators’ Phantom (Toby Olubi), and children’s TV icons Dick & Dom.
