Prince Harry makes surprise London appearance at black-tie gala for Ukraine while William backs Deborah James ball six miles away

Published: 02:43 EDT, 2 October 2026 | Updated: 03:05 EDT, 2 October 2026 Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at a black-tie gala for Ukraine in London last night as his estranged brother Prince William made a virtual appearance at another ball just six miles away.The Duke of Sussex smiled and waved at cameras as he arrived at the United for Freedom gala at the Imperial War Museum in central London.The fundraising event was to raise money for charities supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict which entered its fourth year last February. Harry spoke at the event about the historical ties between Britain and Ukraine before sharing his own experience during recent trips to the war-torn nation.'I have seen something in Ukraine that makes it impossible for me to look away. I have met people who have lost limbs, lost homes and lost loved ones - and yet somehow find the strength to rebuild,' said the Prince. Harry also praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people who defend the frontline while also keeping businesses and schools going all while 'developing technology that is changing the nature of modern warfare'.He continued: 'But their resilience should never become an excuse for the rest of us to tolerate their suffering. Ukrainians should not have to prove, year after year, just how much they can endure. 'Their courage deserves more than our admiration. It deserves our resolve.' The Duke of Sussex smiled and waved at cameras as he arrived at the United for Freedom gala at the Imperial War Museum in London Harry spoke at the event about the historical ties between Britain and Ukraine before sharing his own experience during recent trips to the war-torn nationMeanwhile, his brother the Prince of Wales was just six miles away at Fulham's Hurlingham Club where he made a surprise appearance via a pre-recorded video message at the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund Rebel Ball.The gala took place on what would have been campaigner Dame Deborah James's 45th birthday, who died from bowel cancer in June 2022, to raise money for the late journalist's charity and Cancer Research UK. Paying tribute to Dame Deborah, William said: 'What struck me was Deborah's positivity and humour in the face of adversity – what she liked to call "rebellious hope".'He went on to describe Dame Deborah as 'an amazing woman' and said her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK had achieved so much in the last four-and-a-half years, investing in pioneering research that was 'giving more people more time with the ones they love'.Heir to the throne William told guests including Dame Deborah's friends and family: 'Tonight would have been Deborah's 45th birthday and I know she would have wanted everyone dancing, celebrating and making memories.'The fundraising ball, which was hosted by TV presenter Gaby Roslin in London, featured performances by Sophie Ellis Bextor and the West End cast of the production Disco Inferno.Dame Deborah's husband Sebastien Bowen said: 'On what would've been Deborah's 45th birthday, we wanted to honour her memory and the Rebel Ball captured so much of what made her special: her energy, her courage and her ability to bring people together behind a cause she believed in.' Prince William with Dame Deborah James in May 2022. The Prince of Wales spoke last night at the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund Rebel BallThe Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK supports cutting-edge research and raises awareness of bowel cancer.It was launched by Dame Deborah in May 2022 with an initial target of £250,000.The You, Me And The Big C podcast host, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, was given a damehood for her fundraising efforts, which soared into the millions.The honour was personally conferred by William, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne while she was receiving hospice-at-home care, just weeks before she died at the age of 40.