Prince Harry's WellChild Awards speech as he jokes about his balding hair
The appearance marked the start of his four-day visit to the UK
Prince Harry returned to London for the WellChild Awards this week, where he honoured some of the UK’s most inspiring children and their caregivers with a heartfelt speech.
Now in its 20th year, the WellChild Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of seriously ill children and young people and the families, nurses, and professionals who support them.
For Prince Harry, who has been a patron of WellChild since 2007, the event is deeply personal, and this year’s ceremony was no exception.
Prince Harry’s speech at WellChild Awards
Speaking at a central London hotel, the Duke of Sussex reflected on how much time has passed since his first WellChild Awards appearance nearly two decades ago.
“I still remember my very first WellChild Awards. 18 years ago, before the beard, the hair… You know what it’s like,” Harry joked. “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!”
The prince continued: “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 WellChild community. Thank you for showing us the light when all too often darkness can consume us.”
This year’s awards came on a significant day, the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Prince Harry made a private visit earlier in the day to her burial site at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, laying a wreath of flowers in tribute.
He was originally scheduled to attend the WellChild Awards in September 2022, but cancelled when the royal family rushed to be by the queen’s side in Balmoral.
“So much has happened since those early days, for me, for you, and for WellChild,” Harry continued in his speech. “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.”
Harry meets children at awards
During the event, Harry presented the award for Inspirational Child (4–6 years) to a young six-year-old girl named Esmée. Esmée was born prematurely at 28 weeks and has undergone 35 surgeries in her life.
He also spent time privately with other honorees, including nine-year-old Gwen Foster, who lives with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Photos showed the duke laughing and engaging in a balloon sword fight with Gwen.
Harry also spoke with 17-year-old Declan Bitmead, the winner of the Inspirational Young Person 15-18 award.
Declan survived a life-threatening reaction to routine treatment. He has also incredibly raised more than £25,000 for charity. He also has seriously impaired vision.
Prince Harry makes joke about being ‘bald’
During their chat, Harry asked Declan: “How much sight do you have?”
When told “not much”, Harry quipped: “I’m bald, I’m ginger and worst of all I’ve got a ginger beard. You’re thinking, ‘Phew.'”
Meanwhile, WellChild CEO Matt James praised Harry’s ongoing support and presence.
“It gives everyone such a lift,” James told PEOPLE. “Particularly for families who have faced unbelievable challenges and overcome those odds behind closed doors. For them, meeting the Duke and being honoured today is an opportunity for them to get recognition for that.”
“It’s an evening of such positivity, and the Duke really adds to that. He’s wonderful with the winners,” James added.
As the WellChild Awards marked their 20th anniversary, the ceremony also honoured former winners, many of whom returned to share how far they’ve come.
“It’s lovely to see them thriving,” said James. “It’s great for [Prince Harry] to see how far they’ve come and connect with some of those inspiring stories.”
Read more: Prince Harry felt inspired to create the Invictus Games after travelling to America
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