The Duke of Sussex has hailed a group of “little legends” honoured at an awards ceremony, for “uplifting all those around you” despite serious illnesses.
Harry paid tribute to the children and teenagers recognised at the WellChild awards, who act as carers, fundraisers or just carry on with life as they cope with debilitating conditions.
His brief trip to the UK came as relations with his brother, the Prince of Wales remained strained, and despite travelling thousands of miles from California it is unlikely the duke visited William or his father the King, who is receiving treatment for cancer.
Prince Harry was interrupted by a well-meaning audience member during his speech at the WellChild Award this evening.
The Duke of Sussex said to the audience: “Keep being you. You’ve got this and we’ve got you.”
An audience member replied “We’ve got you too!” to laughter and claps from the crowd.
The duke appeared upbeat and relaxed for the evening presentation, and before the ceremony began was upstaged by a boisterous seven-year-old, Noah Nicholson, who threw his toys on the floor and delighted in Harry picking them up.
Harry told the young people and their families: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour. And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.
“The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”