Prince Harry shared a delightful interaction with a young award recipient at the WellChild Awards held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Monday, 21 September 2026. The Duke of Sussex, who has been a patron of the charity since 2007, engaged in a lively exchange with 10-year-old Will Messer, the winner of the Inspirational Child (aged 7-11) award.
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The moment was especially memorable for Will, who brought along a Funko Pop! figurine styled in Harry’s likeness. In a playful display, the Duke mimicked the exaggerated expression of the collectible, eliciting laughter from both Will and those present. The interaction was captured on video and subsequently shared on social media by Chris Ship, ITV News’ royal editor.
Will was visibly thrilled to meet Prince Harry, an experience that WellChild later highlighted on their Instagram Stories. The event showcased the ongoing commitment of Harry to support families and children facing health challenges, reinforcing the emotional significance of the awards night.
The WellChild Awards represents Harry’s latest public engagement following his return to the UK last month. After moving back to Britain for an extended period on 26 August, Harry has settled in with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
While the Duke now attends such events as a non-working royal, he remains dedicated to the mission of WellChild. His father, King Charles, has conveyed through a letter from Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, that the family continues to support their charitable endeavours despite stepping back from official royal duties.
In a statement released ahead of the ceremony, Prince Harry expressed his ongoing commitment to the WellChild initiative. He stated, “It is always a privilege to be part of the WellChild Awards and to meet the extraordinary children, young people, families, and professionals whose courage and determination inspire us all.”
Harry’s words were particularly poignant this year, which marks the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Nurse programme. Over the past two decades, this initiative has played a crucial role in supporting thousands of families, allowing children with serious health conditions to spend more time in the comfort of their own homes.
The Duke reflected on the significance of the awards, stating, “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that impact, but above all to celebrate the incredible people at the heart of it. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, connection, and community.”
The evening featured various interactions between Harry and other award recipients, including a heartfelt meeting with honoree Margot Jones-Billington. Each of these encounters underscored the importance of the WellChild charity and its contributions to the lives of children and families across the UK.
Overall, the WellChild Awards not only highlighted the remarkable bravery of the children involved but also reaffirmed Prince Harry’s commitment to philanthropy and community support. As he continues to engage with initiatives dear to his heart, moments like the one shared with Will Messer serve as a reminder of the joy and hope that small gestures can bring to those facing significant challenges.