After dancing with Paddington Bear, Prince Harry attended the annual WellChild Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Monday, October 16.
The evening brings together medical professionals and children from across the UK, who in the face of serious illness continue to inspire those around them.
Meghan Markle’s leading man proved once again why he’s such a hit with kids.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s uncle showed off his fun side as he chatted to the pint-sized stars.
Prince Harry spoke with Marni Ahmed, a young boy who suffers from a rare skin condition.
The brave nine-year-old threw royal protocol to the wind, casually asking the fifth-in-line-to-the-throne whether he had ever eaten a Doner kebab.
“No, but my friends have,” Harry laughed.
Marni didn’t stop there, and then quizzed him about what he had for breakfast.
“He said, ‘bacon and sausage sandwich,” the nine-year-old told WellChild ambassador TV presenter Gaby Roslin.
Harry’s attendance follows the news that his girlfriend Meghan Markle has quit Suits.
Prince Harry also met Erin Cross, a girl who has been battling leukaemia for nearly five years.
Young Erin was exceptionally shy when she first met Harry, both within no time the royal had her laughing.
The former military man also became firm friends with seven-year-old Finley Green.
Finley has to be tube-fed as a result of some serious health conditions, including a cyst on his brain.
The pair bonded over a balloon animal.
“Harry said if it pops, I will get you a new one,” Finley recounted, while his mum, Jennifer, described Harry as “really lovely!”
“I think the fact he was getting on the floor and speaking to the children speaks volumes.”
Harry has been a royal patron for the charity for 10 years.
The 33-year-old, a proud patron of the charity, made a stirring speech to those in attendance.
“This is my tenth year as WellChild’s patron and of course I’m honored to be here at another awards ceremony celebrating the powerful work of this organization; each year, I have the privilege of meeting the children you see before you and spending time with their families and carers,” the Prince began.
“Many of the children and young people WellChild support have been dealt the hardest card imaginable in life, and yet their courage inspires the most incredible strength in those around them.”
“I meet the parents, who are often powerless to change their children’s fate, but will do everything they can to make the most of each moment,” he said.
Continuing, “I see the nurses and clinical staff, who become a lifeline for these families that just want to be at home rather than in hospital.”
“But what everybody has in common is the sense of grace, positivity and good humour that creates a community of support.”
“Knowing that someone is on your side, understands what you are going through, and will carry you through it, is a lifeline that should not be underestimated.”
“These awards were created to shine a bright light on an amazingly brave group of children and young people, on their lives, and on the resolve they and their families have shown to overcome such challenges,” he said.
“Life for families caring for seriously ill children is exceptionally tough. And without WellChild it is even tougher.”
