Prince Harry delighted youngsters with a cheeky balloon swordfight at the WellChild Awards just hours after a solemn solo visit to his late grandmother’s final resting place at Windsor.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, touched down in the UK for the first time in five months today and made a poignant stop at St George’s Chapel, where he laid flowers and paid his respects privately to Queen Elizabeth II on the third anniversary of her death.
But the mood turned joyful later in the day as Harry, dressed in a sharp navy suit and tie, arrived at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Awards – an event he has long supported.
There, he was seen warmly interacting with the inspirational children and families being honoured, giving each young guest his full attention.
In one heartwarming moment, shared on WellChild’s Instagram stories, the Duke got into a playful balloon swordfight with nine-year-old Gwen, who proudly showed off her sparkling trainers to the royal.
Gwen had also brought along special gifts for Harry’s children, Archie, four, and Lilibet, two – personalised Brighton & Hove Albion football shirts in purple with their names and ages on the back.
Clearly touched, Harry told Gwen the gifts were ‘so good’ and that he ‘loves them’, adding that he couldn’t wait to take them back to California for his children, who remained in the US with Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, play-fights using swords made from modelling balloons with nine-year-old Gwen Foster
The Duke of Sussex, 39, touched down in the UK for the first time in five months today
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, laughs with 13-year-old Grace Tutt (centre), recipient of the Special Recognitions award
Another sweet encounter saw six-year-old Esmee, a fellow award recipient, curiously inspect Harry’s polka dot tie as he knelt to speak to her on her level.
Before the ceremony began, Harry mingled with parents and carers of the children being recognised, praising their bravery and unwavering strength.
He also met with previous winners who had returned to mark the twentieth anniversary of the awards.
In a statement issued ahead of the event, the Duke said: ‘For 20 years these awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals – who support them every step of the way.
‘Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.’
The WellChild Awards – which honour the resilience of seriously ill children and those who care for them – fell on a deeply personal day for the Duke, as it marked exactly three years since Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral, aged 96.
Earlier in the day, Harry had quietly made his way to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, to lay a wreath and flowers at his grandmother’s tomb.
Meanwhile, just seven miles away, Prince William and Princess Kate were on an official engagement in Sunningdale, Berkshire, as they visited the local Women’s Institute (WI) to mark the same solemn anniversary.
Prince Harry meets WellChild Award winner Esmee
The Duke speaks with six-year-old Esmee Mcglinchey, recipient of the Inspirational Child 4-6 award
The Duke of Sussex plays with a modelling balloon with previous award recipient Rhea Talwar and her mother Purabi at the annual WellChild Awards
The Duke of Sussex poses with previous WellChild award recipients (back left-right) Em Subinger, Evie Toombes and Dylan Bleach, and Ruky Anighoro (second from left) with his mother Ufuoma, and Rhea Talwar (right) with her mother Purabi
The Duke of Sussex hugs previous WellChild award recipient Evie Toombes
Kate, 43, made a last-minute decision to accompany her husband, standing by his side as they greeted well-wishers and recalled fond memories of the late monarch.
William remarked that he ‘can’t quite believe it has been three years already’ since his grandmother’s passing – a comment that echoed the national sentiment of reflection and remembrance.
But despite being just a 16-minute drive apart, there was no meeting between the estranged brothers, once dubbed ‘the Fab Four’ alongside their wives.
Their proximity yet continued distance highlights the deep rift that remains within the Royal Family, even in shared mourning.
While hopes of a reconciliation with his brother appear slim, there remains speculation over a possible meeting between Harry and King Charles during his stay – which would be their first in nearly 19 months.
