The Duke of Sussex has hailed the young winners of the 20th annual WellChild Awards for "showing us the light when all too often darkness can consume us". And he told them: "This is your moment. While we reflect on twenty years of these Awards, the truth is that you are the story. You are the reason we gather here. Each of you is a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just to those in this room, but to the nation. Keep fighting. Keep smiling. And above all, keep showing us what strength, courage and joy really look like."
In a speech in which he reflected on his 17 years as the charity’s patron, Prince Harry, said: "I still remember my very first WellChild Awards, eighteen years ago, before the beard, the hair, you know how it is, I walked into the room, and within about three minutes I realised two things: the love and energy in the room was palpable, so too was the unpredictability!
"And second, that I was completely hooked on it all. This night has been a highlight of my year ever since and it's all because of you guys - these children, this cause, and our Well child community. Thank you for showing us the light when all too often darkness can consume us."
Harry, who has continued to attend the annual awards since departing the UK in 2020, went on: "So much has happened since those early days, for me, for you and for WellChild. The world has thrown a fair few challenges our way. But through it all, WellChild has remained rock solid in its mission: to give children and young people with complex medical needs the chance to thrive, not in hospital, but at home, surrounded by family, friends, and community."
The Duke arrived at Heathrow earlier today and headed straight to Windsor Castle, where he laid a wreath and flowers at the tomb of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. On the third anniversary of her death, he spent time privately in the George VI Memorial Chapel at St George's Chapel before travelling back into central London to join a host of famous faces at the Royal Lancaster Hotel for the awards, which are sponsored by GSK.
"Twenty years! That's quite something," he said in his speech. "Though looking around this room tonight, I think most of you are proof that WellChild just keeps getting stronger with age. For two decades, this event has shone a bright spotlight on the needs of children and young people living with complex medical conditions. But more than that, it has celebrated something far bigger - your courage, your resilience, and the extraordinary love of the families and carers who never stop showing up."
© Getty ImagesOver the past two decades, WellChild has honoured 311 award winners and now has a team of 53 specialist nurses supporting children and young people with serious medical conditions and their families.
Harry told guests: "More than ever, WellChild's mission must be our shared priority. 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."
© Getty ImagesThe Duke spoke after presenting the award for Inspirational Child 4-6 Years to Esmée, who was born prematurely at 28 weeks and has endured 35 surgeries, including four major operations on her brain, lungs and bowel. The Peppa Pig fan, who loves splashing in water and dancing to music, has recovered after emergency brain surgery in 2024, but lives with multiple complex conditions and needs round-the-clock care. Harry and Esmée joined host and Wellchild Ambassador Gaby Roslin on stage and posed for photographs with the young winners
Among celebrity guests joining HELLO! at the glittering ceremony were Rolling stones legend Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally, actress Patsy Kensit, singer Joss Stone and former Olympian Michelle Griffiths Robinson. Performers and presenters included Strictly stars Oti Mabuse and Janette Manrara, reality star Molly-Mae Hague, Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh and Pussycat Dolls singer Kimberley Wyatt. Toby Olubi, who is Phantom on Gladiators, West End star Felipe Bejerano, sports presenter Seema Jaswal and children's TV stars Dick & Dom also appeared. See the best photos from the night.
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© GC ImagesHarry donned a navy blue suit for the awards
Harry arrives
The Duke of Sussex beamed as he stepped out of his car for the WellChild Awards - a charity that has long been close to his heart.
Harry has attended the awards 14 times before and has held the role of the charity's patron for 17 years.
The charity brands 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".
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© GC ImagesMeet and greet
The Duke was greeted warmly upon arrival at the awards, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
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© Getty ImagesHarry's return to the UK
It marks Harry's first visit to the UK since April, when he came to a London court hearing to appeal a High Court ruling regarding his security arrangements in the U.K and then gave a surprising interview to the BBC where he said he would "love a reconciliation" with the royal family.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesGroup photo
The Duke happily posed for photos upon arrival before meeting the inspiring young award winners and their families.
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© PA Images via Getty Images'Privileged to attend the WellChild Awards'
"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," he said in a statement ahead of the awards.
He added: "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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© Getty ImagesHarry shared a fun moment with Gwen
Harry jokes around
Harry couldn't resist a play fight with swords made from modelling balloons with nine-year-old Gwen, recipient of Inspirational Child 7-11 award.
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© Getty ImagesEn garde!
Action shot!
We love this snap of the pair.
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© Getty ImagesHarry looked very touched by the presents
Gifts for Archie and Lilibet
Gwen even brought along personalised gifts for Harry's children - Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four - two football shirts from her favourite team, Brighton and Hove Albion.
"Best gift ever, thank you so much," Harry told her. "This is so cool, it's going to make them so happy."
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© Getty ImagesGrace is the recipient of the Special Recognitions award
Sharing a laugh with Grace
There was more laughter when the Duke asked Grace Tutt, 13, which award she had won and both Grace and her mum Melanie momentarily forgot, triggering a fit of the giggles that continued when Harry also admitted he couldn't remember.
Grace won the Special Recognition Award for her courage after she was left paralysed from the waist down when her school bus collided with a tractor in May 2024.
She also had her own question for Harry, as she asked for his Netflix recommendations.
Harry replied: "My wife and I just finished watching Hostage. It's very good, it's filmed here. If you haven't seen it, you should watch it."
He added: "Although if it's unsuitable, it wasn't my recommendation!"
Speaking afterwards, Grace's mum Melanie Tutt said the Duke had recommended "Hostage and Love is Blind."
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© Getty ImagesEsmee is the recipient of the Inspirational Child 4-6 award
Harry and Esmee
Courageous youngster Esmee, who was born prematurely at 28 weeks, has since endured 39 surgeries, including two in January of this year.
Harry laughed as she munched on Hula Hoops and persuaded her to put one on a finger like a ring.
And admiring the little girls frilly socks, he told her: "My daughter would love these socks."
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© Getty ImagesHarry spent time with each young winner
Harry and Alessia
The Duke chatting with 14-year-old Alessia, recipient of the Inspirational Sibling award
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© Getty ImagesHarry heard from each winner
Harry & Declan
When Harry chatted to Declan Bitmead, 17 – winner of the inspirational young person 15-18 years award, he quizzed him about family life, asking if he had siblings and the teenager replied he had a younger brother.
"Does he drive you mad?" asked the Duke, and Declan replied "no, we get on fine" – and Harry quipped with a smile "you know what – siblings".
When told the 17-year-old, from Oxted in Surrey, and his brother went to the same school, the Duke said: "You're at the same school, that sometimes makes it more challenging".
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© Getty ImagesHarry posed for a snap in the family room
Harry & Mandy
Harry with Mandy (centre), the recipient of the Parent Carer award, and her daughter Grace.
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© Getty ImagesThe Duke received the gift earlier this year
Harry's special bracelet
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© Getty ImagesHarry appeared on stage
Presenting an award
The Duke presenting Esmee with her Inspirational Child 4-6 award.
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© Getty ImagesHarry posed for a group photo
With the winners
The Duke was joined by all of the winners on stage at the end of the ceremony.
Celebrity guests
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© Getty ImagesJoss attended Harry and Meghan's royal wedding in 2018
Joss Stone
Singer Joss Stone wowed in a black floor-length gown with beaded embroidery.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe stylish couple turned out to support the charity
Sally and Ronnie Wood
Musician Ronnie previously attended the WellChild Awards in 2021.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe singer is a mum-of-three
Kimberley Walsh
The presenter and former Girls Aloud star looked chic in a peplum-style top and trousers.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe couple were among the stars in attendance
Emily and Peter Andre
NHS Doctor Emily attended with her husband and singer, Peter.
