PRINCE Harry has arrived at a glitzy awards ceremony in the UK without Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, made the solo trip to attend WellChild Awards where he will meet seriously ill youngsters and their families.
Prince Harry has arrived at a glitzy awards ceremony in the UK without Meghan Markle[/caption]
He is set to present an award for Inspirational Child, aged 4 to 6, and deliver a speech[/caption]
At the annual London event this evening, Harry is set to present an award for Inspirational Child, aged 4 to 6, and deliver a speech.
It will be the Prince’s thirteenth appearance after being made charity patron 16 years ago.
Harry has supported WellChild in their work to improve the quality of life for poorly kids and their loved ones.
Ahead of today’s gathering, he said: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.
“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 recognise such extraordinary individuals.”
It is not yet known if Harry will meet up with dad King Charles or Prince William while he’s here.
Harry will present an award to Noah, six, from Grimsby.
The brave youngster weighed just two pounds when he was born prematurely at 27 weeks.
Since then, he’s had 28 ops, 14 of which were life-saving procedures, and spent the majority of his childhood on hospital wards.
Noah has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and short bowel disease – meaning he requires constant round-the-clock care.
Other famous faces and WellChild supporters are also expected to turn out today.
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James commented: “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 honour 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.”
It comes after Harry spent the weekend alone in New York City – leaving wife Meg and kids Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, in California.
The dad-of-two was spotted going into a tattoo parlour in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Harry had a large security presence alongside him as he exited East Side Ink – where it is understood he did not actually get a tattoo and was there for a promotional stunt, according to Page 6.
He also appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and took on the new Tonightmares attraction.
At the horror house in Rockerfeller Center, the royal was videoed screaming “Jesus, f**k!” as zombie and ghouls jumped out at him.
During the trip, he also honoured his late mum Princess Diana at the Halo Trust event.
And it is the second time in weeks Harry has returned to England alone after he attended a memorial service for his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes at the end of August.
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: “It is significant that he is doing so much on his own now.
“They are living more separate lives as it looks like Harry is trying to carve out what exactly his future is.
“I suspect Harry has been feeling very much like a spare part.
“He wants more fulfilling roles for himself so we may well be seeing more of him here.”
Meanwhile, The Princess Royal has also been carrying out a public engagement this afternoon.
Princess Anne, who is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Logistic Corps, met with commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Allen.
She also greeted members of the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) Support Battalion.
It came as the royal enjoyed a visit to Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire.
WellChild Awards
THE WellChild Awards recognises seriously ill children and the support they receive from their loved ones and medical professionals.
Here is a full list of all the 2024 winners:
Inspirational Child
- Noah, six
- Scarlett, 10
Special Recognition Award
- Lewis, 11
Inspirational Young Peron
- Jude, 14
- George, 16
Inspirational Sibling
- Anya, 12
- Jody, 16
Parent Carer Award
- Angie Turner
Inspirational Nurse
- Rhian Greenslade
Outstanding Professional
- Simon Bell
WellChild Champion
- Andrew Gould
The Princess Royal viewed a bust of herself made from icing sugar[/caption]
The Princess Royal, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Logistic Corps, walking with commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Allen[/caption]
The Princess Royal also met members of the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) Support Battalion[/caption]
The royal visited to Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire[/caption]