Harry praises mums and dads at event for children with complex medical needs

The Duke of Sussex fought back the tears as he hailed “mums and dads” caring for seriously ill youngsters during the WellChild awards.Harry welled up when he publicly acknowledged their efforts during a speech at the end of the ceremony that recognised and rewarded youngsters living life to the full despite complex medical needs.The event is one of the highlights of the duke’s public calendar, and he enjoyed himself meeting award winners before the presentation signing a Funko Pop Prince Harry doll and was showered with gifts, including housewarming gifts marking his return to the UK.In a speech to recipients, their families and some of the WellChild nurses, Harry became emotional after saying: “To all the mums and dads – most of us will never truly know the emotional ups and downs of your day.”The Duke of Sussex and Gaby Roslin (left) with the Inspirational Child 4-6 award winner, Margot Jones-Billington during the WellChild Awards 2026 (Aaron Chown/PA)PA WireHe had broken down during his 2019 WellChild speech when host Gaby Roslin was on hand to support him and six years later she came to the duke’s side after he said “It’s happening again” then joked as she held his arm “that doesn’t help, that makes it worse”.The duke finished his tribute to parents: “But I sincerely hope that you take strength from nights like this.“And while we may not know the detail of your day, in this room and beyond, we recognise the commitment of your care and all that comes with it.”When Harry first arrived at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel he was met with a barrage of questions from the media including “have you spoken to your uncle in the last few days?” but he did not respond.The awards ceremony came in the aftermath of the serialisation of his uncle Earl Spencer’s book about Harry’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales.Charles Spencer has made a series of damning allegations about the King including the explosive claim the King said “we’ll forget her soon enough” following Diana’s death.Missing was wife Meghan who has not not been seen at a public event since the Sussexes returned to the UK late in August.