Prince Harry details ‘immense pressure’ in new letter for WellChild
The Duke of Sussex has worked with the children's charity for almost two decades
Prince Harry has shared a heartfelt message highlighting the strain on families and health care workers, as he marked the release of WellChild’s 2024–2025 impact report.
In his foreword for the UK-based charity, which supports seriously ill children and their families, the Duke of Sussex acknowledged the “immense pressure” on health and social care services, calling WellChild a “lifeline” for those in need.
Harry has supported the charity since 2007. Although he stepped back from official royal duties in 2020, he has maintained a close relationship with the organisation.
Prince Harry praises WellChild in letter
“Each year, as Patron of WellChild, I’m humbled by the extraordinary spirit of the WellChild community,” Harry began, as reported by GB News. “While the challenges facing families caring for children with complex medical needs have not lessened, the strength and resilience of those families, and the charity that supports them, remain steadfast.”
Harry used the foreword to spotlight the pressure on families and care systems across the UK. He described WellChild as a vital support system for those navigating the complicated world of complex paediatric care.
“In the face of immense pressure on health and social care services, WellChild continues to provide a lifeline,” he continued.
The report itself provides striking evidence of the charity’s impact. Over the last year, WellChild trained 6,722 parents, carers, and professionals; prevented 16,000 hospital readmissions; and supported the safe discharge of 573 children from hospital to home care. The charity now has 57 specialist nurses supporting more than 3,600 families across the UK.
In his letter, the duke highlighted one of the charity’s most important initiatives, its Family Tree network. The peer-to-peer program connects families navigating similar challenges.
“I am especially proud of the continued growth of WellChild’s Family Tree peer-to-peer support network,” Harry wrote. “The Family Tree offers friendship, advice, and a reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone.”
‘Times remain difficult’
Harry also spoke movingly about attending the WellChild Awards this past September in London. The duke was seen warmly engaging with winners and their families, smiling as he listened to their stories and posed for photographs.
“One of the greatest privileges of my role is meeting the remarkable winners of the WellChild Awards,” he gushed. “Hearing the stories of these children, their families, and the professionals who support them is a reminder of what matters most.”
He described the event as a bright spot in his calendar that “never fails to bring me so much enjoyment”.
Harry closed the letter by thanking the “brilliant staff, the board of Trustees, the WellChild Nurses, the supporters, the volunteers, and the families” who continue to drive the charity forward.
“Times remain difficult,” he wrote. “Your part in our story changes lives every day. And I am honoured to stand beside you in this mission.”
The release of Harry’s letter comes amid a busy stretch for the Duke of Sussex. On December 1, he appeared in Toronto at the OREA Powerhouse Conference, marking his third trip to Canada this year.
The event, organised by the Ontario Real Estate Association, brought together leaders to discuss “service and leadership”.
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be on ‘borrowed time’ as William still ‘furious’ over ‘rift’
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