Prince Harry Says He's 'Honored' to Return to U.K. for 'Incredible' Family Charity Close to His Heart

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince Harry at last year’s WellChild Awards in London in Sept. 2023.Photo:Tristan Fewings/Getty

Tristan Fewings/Getty

Prince Harryis heading to the U.K. to visit with a cause close to his heart.

On Monday, Sept. 30. The Duke of Sussex, 40, will be guest of honor at the annualWellChildAwards in London. The U.K. charity for seriously ill children — of which Harry is the patron — is one of the few causes he has kept sincestepping backfrom his role as a full-working member of the royal family in January 2020.

In a statement, Harry said he is “honored” to celebrate “the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs” again this year.

“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognize such extraordinary individuals," he added.

Prince Harry arrives at the WellChild Awards in Sept. 2023.Tristan Fewings/Getty

The WellChild Awards celebrate the inspirational qualities of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs and also reward the dedicated love and service of those close to them or who care for them.

Harry, who has been associated with the charity for 16 years, regularly attends the gala, spending meaningful quality time with the youngsters and their families and carers beforehand and giving a speech. This year he is also presenting the Award for Inspirational Child (aged 4-6).

Prince Harry meeting George Hall and mum Hollie Pearson at the WellChild Awards in Sept. 2023.Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty

Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty

The prince marked his birthday with his family and told PEOPLE via his spokespersonthat the best gift"is, without doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad.”

The day before he and Meghan, 43,headed to a charity tennis match, andcelebrated their friendTyler Perry’s birthday.

In July, sources close to Harry told PEOPLE thathis ongoing legal battle over the lack of official securityfor him and his wifeMeghan Markleand their childrenPrince Archie, 5, andPrincess Lilibet, 3, makes it tough for him to return to his home country.

Prince William and Prince Harry at the 2021 unveiling of a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

He was last in Britain ina surprise visit to attend the funeralof his late uncle Lord Robert Fellowes on Aug. 29. At the time he was reported to have not spent any meaningful moments with his brother William, 42, who was also at the service.

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Looking ahead to the WellChild event on Sept. 30, the charity’s Chief Executive, Matt James added in a statement, “Across the UK, an increasing number of children and young people are living with long-term, complex medical needs. Alongside their families, they navigate extraordinary challenges each day. Through the WellChild Awards 2024, in association with GSK, we aim to highlight the immense difficulties they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit.”

“This event also offers an opportunity to honor the selfless dedication of those who support them – whether it be siblings, parent carers or professionals who have gone above and beyond to give these children the best possible chance to thrive.”

source: people.com