Prince Harry delighted in sharing an endearing tidbit about his daughter, Princess Lilibet, during his much-anticipated return to the UK. However, it was a boisterous young lad who stole the show from him.
Grinning broadly, Harry arrived at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel to honour children, teenagers, and their families at an event by WellChild, a charity he has supported as patron for over a decade. The Duke of Sussex, who flew in solo without Meghan Markle, appeared at ease as he embarked on one of the rare events he has attended in his home country since relocating to the US with his family.
Despite being the centre of attention, Prince Harry found himself somewhat overshadowed by the cheeky antics of a child during the awards night, laughing good-naturedly as he collected toys strewn by the boy. He encountered seven year old Noah Nicholson, a brave youngster with cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, and further health challenges, whose mother, Tracey Nicholson, 42, of Grimsby, described him as joyous and adventurous.
Little Noah amused everyone by deliberately dropping his beloved comfort toys George the cat and Ratty the Giraffe, shaped like a blanket to the floor. When Ms Nicholson excused her son’s playful behaviour, Harry, ever the gracious patron of WellChild, warmly responded: “Don’t apologise, I love it.”
Harry recognised Ratty the Giraffe and affectionately called the blanket comforter ‘lovey’, a term familiar to American parents, remarking: “Every parent has about six spare”. He also shared that his three year old daughter Lilibet cherishes similar toys, mentioning: “My daughter Lili has these Lovies.”
During the heartwarming encounter, Noah, who suffers from brain damage and won the most Inspirational Child aged four to six, playfully tugged at Harry’s beard, prompting a joyful response.
Post-event, Noah’s mother said: “He’s in constant pain but is always happy and smiley. He’s just a very excitable boy and when he’s around people he just loves it. Nothing ever gets him down, he never cries unless the pain gets the better of him. He’s seriously ill fighting for his life so much, but he’s so happy.”
Having supported WellChild as its patron for over 15 years, Harry consistently shows up for the awards gala hosted by the charity dedicated to critically ill children and their families. After personally acknowledging the courage of the young honourees and presenting them with their awards, Harry went on to deliver a stirring speech in which he hailed the award winners as “little legends” and discussed the emotional rollercoaster that parenting can be.
In his heartfelt address, he noted: “The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me. The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays, and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.”
Prince Harry heaped praise on the young people he met, saying: “For many of us, it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity. So keep being you. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.”
He also paid tribute to their parents, saying: “As a parent, I know a little about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting! But, when I hear about the care many of you mums, dads, and family members provide; the level of round-the-clock care you offer; the skills you’ve had to learn; and the battles for support that you fight every single day-I am truly in awe.”
He added: “You are all incredible, and your love and dedication are nothing short of heroic. And so it rests with me to remind you, that tonight is your night too. So much is asked of you so please take this moment to pause and be proud. To reflect and to be kind to yourselves.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s visit to the UK has sparked speculation about a possible reunion with his estranged brother, Prince William, or a visit to his father, King Charles, in Scotland. However, a reunion seems unlikely, as the brothers did not speak at a family funeral in August.
King Charles is currently at Balmoral and has not seen Harry since his youngest son rushed to his side following his cancer diagnosis in February.