Prince Harry made a return to Britain on Monday for a charity event dedicated to seriously ill children, where he appeared cheerful and playful as he engaged in conversation with the young attendees.
"Huge congratulations, you little legends. I salute you. We salute you," Harry said with a beaming smile during his speech at the annual WellChild Awards ceremony in London. The event, for which he serves as a patron, is organized by the WellChild charity.
"The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me," the prince remarked. "The stories of young people who fight against all odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays, and endless appointments, serve as a reminder of the incredible strength of the human spirit."
Despite stepping down from his official royal duties, Harry, the younger son of King Charles, remains a frequent subject of media attention. This month, the focus on the Duke of Sussex has been particularly intense following his 40th birthday and a series of public appearances.
Last week, Harry was in New York, where he urged governments to collaborate more closely with young people, highlighting the online dangers faced by children and criticizing social media leaders for not doing enough to protect them. He also made an appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show, participating in a segment where he joined host Jimmy Fallon in a 'haunted maze' attraction, during which he was seen shouting and swearing.
Since relocating to California with his wife Meghan in 2020 and subsequently having a public falling-out with other members of the royal family, including his father and elder brother Prince William, Harry has only occasionally returned to Britain. It remains uncertain whether he will meet any family members during his current visit, and the Duke's spokesman declined to comment on the matter.
Harry's last visit to Britain was in May for events commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. At that time, King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, was too occupied to see him.
Additionally, Harry is still involved in legal proceedings against the British government regarding the security provided to himself and his family while in the UK. He argues that he is deeply concerned about the safety of Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
