WellChild Awards 2026: Prince Harry gets emotional as he delivers impassioned speech during solo appearance in London

Good morning and welcome to the beginning of another busy week of royal news! We'll be keeping you up to speed on all the latest royal updates from across the globe, so stay tuned!

What's on today's agenda?

Prince Harry will attend the annual WellChild Awards ceremony taking place in London today. 

Meanwhile, Princess Anne will visit NFU Mutual South Cotswolds to open its new offices in Wiltshire.

Elsewhere, James, Earl of Wessex, is preparing for an exciting new chapter. Induction begins for new students at Royal Agricultural University today, where James will study Rural Land & Property Management.

WellChild is a national charity that works with seriously ill children and their families. 

Prince Harry has been a patron of the charity for 18 years, playing an important role in assisting WellChild to raise both awareness and funds. 

This year's WellChild Awards will take place in London on 21 September. The ceremony celebrates the inspirational achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.

In July, Harry visited Birmingham Children's Hospital during his visit to the UK, and met families benefiting from the charity's specialist support programmes. 

The 42-year-old said at the time: "It is always a privilege to spend time with the children, families and professionals at the heart of WellChild’s work."

He added: "Over the past 18 years as Patron of WellChild, I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the extraordinary impact these nurses have had on thousands of children and families across the UK. 

"I have seen the difference specialist nursing support can make, from empowering families with the confidence to care for their children at home, to helping children have the opportunity to live their best lives, surrounded by those who love them most."

Harry continued to champion WellChild from across the pond after moving to the US in 2020. 

Speaking to HELLO! at the awards last September, the Prince discussed his two children, saying: "I think once you become a parent yourself, everything changes.

"It's emotional enough not being a parent and seeing what these families go through, but then when you have your own kids or when you're expecting your own kids, that's when it really hits you." 

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Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, has offered his view on the rift between his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry.

During an in-depth interview with the BBC ahead of the release of his bombshell book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, the 62-year-old set the record straight. 

"I think there is a perception in the media that I am on Harry’s side. Well, I’m on my deceased sister’s sons’ side, both of them, he told interviewer Laura Kuenssberg. 

“And if either of them wanted anything, then I’d be equally there for them. And I never get involved in one camp or the other, except as a benign figure, I hope."

Speaking about William and Harry, who are reportedly not in contact, Charles said: "I hope one day it's resolved. But I don't know all. I certainly don't know what’s been done in the finer detail and so I would feel intrusive if I got more involved than to say of course a mother would want her two sons to be happy together and love each other."

Read the full story here. 

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It's an exciting week for James, Earl of Wessex, as induction for new students at Royal Agricultural University, where the 18-year-old will study Rural Land & Property Management.

James enrolled in university straight after completing his A-levels, forgoing a gap year. 

The decision was confirmed in a statement by Buckingham Palace. 

"Having achieved the grades he needed, The Earl of Wessex will be going to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land & Property Management. He will head straight there without taking a year out," the Palace said. James' three-year degree will focus on estate management, rural business, and consultancy.

The young royal will leave his family home, Bagshot Park, for life in the Cotswolds. Undergraduates often spend their first year living at university halls.

James' exciting new chapter comes just months after his sister, Lady Louise Windsor, graduated from the University of St Andrews with an English degree. 

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie beamed alongside their daughter in her graduation portraits, taken at the University House following the ceremony in July. 

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Images of King Harald's final resting place have been released by the Royal Court of Norway. 

The late Norwegian monarch's sarcophagus has been laid in the crypt of the palace church in Oslo, alongside those of his parents, King Olav and Crown Princess Märtha, and his grandparents, King Haakon VII and Queen Maud.

Harald V passed away on 28 August aged 89. In a statement, the Norwegian royal household said: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 06:35.

"He leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja, 89, and children, Crown Prince Haakon, 53 and Princess Martha Louise, 54."

Harald V reigned for 35 years, from 17 January 1991 until his death.

His stone coffin was designed by the firm Snøhetta, architect Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, and cost an estimated 20 million NOK (£1.6 million) after being commissioned in 2024.

Following Harald's death, his son Haakon is now King, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra now heir. 

More details about King Harald's final resting place here. 

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Become a HELLO! VIP to read our latest story on how Prince William and Prince Harry are navigating fresh family turmoil amid shocking revelations made in Earl Spencer's new memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. 

As revelations surrounding Princess Diana's death bring the past trauma back into the spotlight, the brother's remain anchored by an enduring code of duty. 

Read the story here. 

Charles Spencer's claim about King Charles

One of the most startling claims from Diana's brother concerned King Charles' reaction to Diana's death. The Earl wrote: "I assumed the pause signalled an effort to bring himself under control, but then he unleashed down the phone what I have always taken to be his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death. 'Rest assured,' he hissed, 'we'll forget her soon enough!'"

In response, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."

HELLO! VIP members enjoy full digital access to every issue of HELLO!, including exclusive royal features, special editions and our complete magazine archive. 

Prince Edward took part in a Litter Pick with the Spelthorne Litter Pickers Group on Sunday to mark World Clean-Up Day, at Hengrove Park in Ashford, Surrey.

The Duke of Edinburgh joined young volunteers and local community groups for the litter pick, which is part of an initiative organised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Edward's outing comes as his son, James, Earl of Wessex, prepares to begin university. The 19-year-old will study Rural Land & Property Management at Royal Agricultural University. Induction for new students began this week. 

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The Duchess of Sussex will not be joining her husband, Prince Harry, at the WellChild awards ceremony in London this evening. 

The event is held in celebration of the achievements and resilience of seriously-ill children and their families.

Meghan has not been seen at a public event since the Sussexes returned to the UK late in August. 

Prince Harry has been a patron of the charity for 18 years, playing an important role in assisting WellChild to raise both awareness and funds. 

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Queen Camilla emphasised the importance of "togetherness" during a speech delivered at her literary festival over the weekend. 

It comes after Earl Spencer made a series of claims about King Charles in his memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.

Camilla, 79, was welcomed with applause to her Queen's Reading Room Literary Festival at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, as it returned for a fourth year on Saturday and Sunday. 

Addressing the audience, the royal said she had been "recently reminded" of a "rather beautiful proverb", emphasising the importance of unity. 

Quoting it, she read: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go Together."

She added: "The fact that we have "gone far" is due to the incredible support by a huge number of book lovers: writers, actors, publishers and, above all, readers. Thanks to all of you."

While Camilla didn't reference the public fallout between Charles Spencer's comments, her speech came just days before the release of his book on Tuesday. 

One of the most shocking claims made in the book concerned then then-Prince Charles' reaction to Princess Diana's death. Earl Spencer alleges that the King said of his ex-wife: "We'll forget her soon enough," following her tragic death in a car crash in 1997.

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Hi royal fans! I'm taking over from Nicky to bring you all the latest on the royals this afternoon ahead of the WellChild Awards.

Amid the ongoing fallout from Earl Charles Spencer's forthcoming memoir,  the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed time away from the royal limelight over the weekend in Scotland. 

Prince William and Princess Kate journeyed to the Isle of Bute last week to celebrate the island's community spirit and volunteering ethos. The couple are believed to have travelled to Royal Deeside after their visit on 17 September.

Kate stayed for two nights before returning to Windsor alone on a British Airways flight from Aberdeen on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, the King stayed at his Birkhall home on the Balmoral estate. 

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After a secret trip to Scotland over the weekend, it was back to business for Prince William today. 

On Monday afternoon, the Prince of Wales had his first conversation with Mark Carney since he was sworn in as Canada's Prime Minister in March 2025. It’s routine for the royal to speak to world leaders. 

The two spoke over the phone about the enduring strength of the relationship between the UK and Canada, as well as William's longstanding affection for Canada and its people.

In March, the Canadian Prime Minister travelled to the UK where he met with King Charles during an audience at Buckingham Palace. He was back in the UK earlier this month and met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and attended a football match in Liverpool. 

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Prince William has publicly shared a personal message of support for a charity he has been Royal Patron of for the last two decades. 

After a secret weekend trip to Scotland with his wife Princess Kate, William resurfaced online on Monday to share how "proud" he was of the rangers who took part in Tusk’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge on Saturday 19 September. 

The royal has been the Royal Patron of Tusk, a charity focused on conservation and community development across Africa, since 2005. 

The challenge is an annual fundraising campaign where rangers from across 21 African countries compete in a 21km race. 

"A huge well done to every ranger who took part. Proud to support such an extraordinary community and the incredible work you do. W," the Prince of Wales commented on a post shared by Tusk from the Prince and Princess of Wales' Instagram account.

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It's officially time for the WellChild awards. 

Prince Harry has arrived solo for the poignant awards ceremony in London tonight. 

As previously reported, the Duchess of Sussex will not be joining her husband. 

Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest from the awards ceremony. 

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Prince Harry shared a heartwarming moment with Margot Jones-Billington, who was named the winner of the Inspirational Child 4-6 category. 

The royal sat down to speak with Margot, who suffered a catastrophic ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM), causing a severe brain bleed and stroke, at 20 months. 

Harry chatted with Margot at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London ahead of the awards ceremony and very sweetly wished her a happy birthday after discovering she had celebrated last week. 

Prince Harry arrived to the WellChild Awards with a smile on his face and looking very smart in a suit and tie. 

Upon his arrival by car, the royal was asked several questions about his family, including how his family were adjusting to life back in the UK and whether he had spoken to his father, King Charles, in recent days. 

Harry's uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, has recently made several allegations about the King in extracts from his forthcoming memoir about the life of Diana, Princess of Wales

Watch the video below. 

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Ahead of the awards ceremony, Harry continued to greet the different winners personally. 

As pictured above, Harry sat down with Samira and Naima Chung-Graham, the winners of the Inspirational Siblings 6-18 category, who have helped care for their older sister Nya, who lives with complex medical needs. The siblings came to the event with balloon animals in hand. 

Harry then shook hands with George Tappenden, who was named the winner of a Special Recognitions Award. 

Ahead of the WellChild awards, George shared his win on social media with a heartfelt personal message. "It is such an honour. I'm so excited for the 21st September where I'll also be giving a speech on stage, too," he wrote. 

George added he was "so incredibly grateful and happy". 

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Prince Harry has been busy settling into life back in the UK. 

The royal returned to British soil last month with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who have started a new school chapter in the UK. The Sussexes, who spent the last six years in Montecito, have kept their exact living arrangements under wraps. 

While speaking with Rachel Shanahan, the winner of the Inspirational Nurse award, and her husband Paul ahead of the awards ceremony tonight, Harry was sweetly gifted a bag containing a mug and a tea towel for his new house. 

Speaking previously to HELLO! at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards last week, Harry told us that he was "happy" to be home.

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Harry continued to meet with the WellChild award winners ahead of the official ceremony tonight. 

While chatting with 17-year-old Rosanna Cornforth-Revill, the winner of the Inspirational Young Person 15-18 category, Prince Harry sweetly signed her profile page. 

Rosanna, who is from South Yorkshire, lives with multiple complex conditions, including autism, ADHD, Type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease and Irlen’s Syndrome. 

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Prince Harry had a very expressive reaction when he was shown a book with one special detail. 

The royal met with Sofia Dobson, the winner of the Inspirational Young Person 12-14 category, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. 

While speaking with Sofia, the winner showed Harry a book of when she met the American heavy metal band Metallica. Harry had the most animated expression on his face as he held and looked at the book in question. 

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Prince Harry shared a lighthearted joke about himself while meeting with one of the young WellChild winners. 

While speaking with Will Messer, the winner of the Inspirational Child 7-11 category, and Will's father, Harry joked that he looked like Stewie Griffin from Family Guy when he was presented a Funko Pop! figure of himself. 

"Do you want me to sign it?" Harry asked the young winner, who replied yes. 

Harry held up the figure by his face for a side by side comparison of the likeness. "What do you think?" he asked. 

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Prince Harry was all smiles as he made his way around the room, meeting the various winners of this year's WellChild Awards. 

The royal greeted Rebecca Hopwood, who won the Champion of Children's Nursing category, and her son Jackson, who joined his mother to celebrate the very special occasion. 

Harry also stopped to chat with the winners of the Inspirational Parent Carer, Carl and Sarah, and the winner of the Outstanding Professional, Ian Sinha. 

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Read Prince Harry's full speech from the WellChild Awards below.

"Good evening everyone, and thank you for the warm welcome.

Well, another year, another WellChild awards, and not a dry eye in the house. Sounds about right!

I’d like to thank GSK again for their continued support, not only of the WellChild Awards, but of WellChild and its mission as a whole.
These Awards are always a very special evening because they give us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary group of children and young people living with complex medical needs, as well as the incredible families who give it everything they've got every single day.

Tonight is also about recognising the remarkable people who go above and beyond to help those children, young people and families live full and meaningful lives. And that really is at the heart of what WellChild is all about.

This year is particularly special because we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Nurse programme.
Twenty years is quite a milestone, and it is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to an incredible community of nurses — many of whom are here with us tonight — who make such a profound difference to families across the UK.

In fact, can all our WellChild nurses please stand so that we can embarrass and thank you!

Since the first WellChild Nurse was appointed 20 years ago, the programme has grown to 54 nursing posts in children's hospitals and communities throughout the United Kingdom.

I was fortunate enough to see some of that work for myself when I visited Birmingham Children's Hospital this summer and had the chance to meet several WellChild Nurses, as well as some of the families whose lives they have helped to transform.
What really struck me was just how much their role evolves.

It is, of course, about helping children to leave hospital and return home. But it is about so much more than that. It is about giving children and young people the confidence and support to thrive at home, at school and within their communities. It's about support parents in every way possible depending on what their needs are. It is giving everything of yourself, everyday, for every person that needs you.

That holistic support makes an enormous difference — not just to a child, or a parent, but to an entire family.

And the achievements and inspiring stories we have heard tonight are so often made possible by the dedication, expertise and compassion of WellChild Nurses, alongside the many other children's nurses and professionals who do this incredibly important work every day.

We also know that they are doing it at a time when our health and social care system is under immense pressure.

For families caring for a young person with complex medical needs, that can sometimes mean feeling overlooked or isolated, at precisely the time when they most need support.

And that is why evenings like this matter.

The stories we have heard tonight, the work of WellChild, and the legacy of the WellChild Nurse programme give me enormous confidence and hope.

They remind us what is possible when we invest in families, when we support the dedicated professionals who care for them, and when we work together to make sure that every child has the opportunity to be well cared for, well supported and well loved.

To all the mums and dads - most of us will never truly know the emotional ups and downs of your day. But I sincerely hope that you take strength from nights like this. And while we may not know the detail of your day, in this room and beyond, we recognise the commitment of your care and all that comes with it.

So, to all of tonight's winners: you are a shining light for all of us.

Thank you for everything you do, for being you, and congratulations once again.

Have a wonderful evening."

Prince Harry took to the stage to deliver a moving speech at the WellChild Awards, during which he became visibly emotional. The royal remarked it was a "very special evening".

"Well, another year, another WellChild awards, and not a dry eye in the house. Sounds about right!" Harry began his speech. 

At one point, while addressing "all the mums and dads", noting that "most of us will never truly know the emotional ups and downs of your day", Harry became emotional and took a pause before long-standing celebrity ambassador Gaby Roslin walked over to comfort him. 

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Prince Harry spoke exclusively to HELLO! at the WellChild Awards on Monday night. 

Speaking to HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash, the Duke of Sussex revealed how his young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are already invested in their dad's work. 

"At breakfast this morning, they had a bit of Monday morning blues," Harry revealed to us. "There's always something like Sunday night blues or boarding school... when you've been away, or before you go to school.

"But at breakfast this morning, I decided, 'You know what? You're being a little bit tricky, so I'm going to tell you exactly what I'm doing tonight.' And they were genuinely fascinated and asking all sorts of questions. So, like with all of my work and their mum's work as well, whatever we can do to try to instil some of that awareness, I think is absolutely crucial."

Read the full exclusive interview.  

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Prince Harry has revealed this year's WellChild Award winners. 

The annual awards ceremony celebrates the achievements and resilience of seriously ill children and their families, with Harry holding the patronage for 18 years.

Among the winners were Margot Jones-Billington, who won the Inspirational Child 4-6 category. Margot's life changed dramatically at just 20 months old when she suffered a catastrophic ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM), causing a severe brain bleed and stroke

Ten-year-old Will Messer, who was born with a leg deformity and is a full-time wheelchair user, was awarded the Inspirational Child 7-11. He also lives with Crouzon syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting facial development and breathing, alongside a painful skin condition requiring daily care. He also manages hearing impairment and ADHD.

Other winners included Sofia Dobson, who was named the Inspirational Young Person 12-14, and Rosanna Cornforth-Revill, the winner of the Inspirational Young Person 15-18 award. 

See all the winners from the night.

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While meeting with the young winners and their families ahead of the WellChild Awards ceremony, Prince Harry made a rare comment about his daughter, Princess Lilibet. 

Prince Harry was speaking to six-year-old Margot Jones Billington, winner of the Inspirational Child 4-6 category for her remarkable resilience in the face of serious illness, when he complimented her outfit for the special occasion. 

"What a beautiful dress, is this the first time it’s ever been worn?" Harry asked the young winner, who was wearing a very sparkly pink dress. 

Harry also asked Margot about where she got her glittery trainers. "These are amazing, can I touch them? Woah! You obviously love sparkles. I have a boy and a girl who are seven and five. My little girl loves sparkles and she loves pink. That’s her favourite colour," he said of his five-year-old daughter.

Harry was also told Margot is a fan of another well-known Harry – One Direction alum Harry Styles. 

“Are you upset that I’m not Harry Styles?" the Duke of Sussex joked. 

While Prince Harry attended the WellChild Awards on Monday night solo, his wife Meghan Markle was absent for the poignant ceremony. 

Meghan has kept a very low profile since the Sussexes returned to the UK last month. Weeks after arriving in the UK, the Duchess was spotted at an Oxfordshire pub in photos obtained by Page Six and shared on 21 September. 

Meghan was photographed at The Three Horseshoes near Burford around 2pm alongside her friends and former neighbours, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. 

Ellen and Portia relocated from California to the UK in November 2024. 

Prince Harry shared the most wholesome moment on stage during the WellChild Awards. 

After presenting the 2026 Inspirational Child aged 4-6 award to Margot Jones Billington, Margot's sister joined them on stage to show off her very sweet and sparkly outfit. 

When she got on stage, she ended up getting a long hug from the Duke of Sussex who had a big smile on his face. How adorable!

Watch the sweet moment below. 

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During his speech at the WellChild Awards ceremony, Prince Harry fought back tears as he praised all the "mums and dads" who care for seriously ill children. 

Gaby Roslin stepped in to comfort the Duke when he became emotional, prompting a lighthearted joke from Harry as he recalled a similar thing happening six years earlier during his 2019 speech when Gabby also came to his side when he broke down. 

"It’s happening again," Harry joked. 

When Gaby took his arm, Harry quipped, "that doesn’t help, that makes it worse", prompting laughter in the room.

Harry regained his composure and continued his speech, hailing the parents. "I sincerely hope that you take strength from nights like this. And while we may not know the detail of your day, in this room and beyond, we recognise the commitment of your care and all that comes with it," he said.

Our royal editor Emily Nash spoke exclusively with Prince Harry after he spent just over an hour meeting the young winners and their families ahead of a glittering awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. 

The Duke opened up about Prince Archie, seven, and five-year-old Princess Lilibet as he listened to their stories. At one point he even divulged that his kids teased him over being a fan of this one divisive food staple.