Prince Harry recently reflected on the everyday challenges of parenting, sharing how a relatable case of “Monday morning blues” with his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, prompted a heartfelt discussion about his charitable work with WellChild. The Duke of Sussex, attending the WellChild Awards in London, recounted how the mood at breakfast on September 21 influenced his approach to their morning routine.
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Harry described the atmosphere at their breakfast table as “a bit of Monday morning blues.” He reminisced about the feelings that often accompany the start of a new week, particularly for children preparing to return to school. “There’s always something like Sunday night blues or boarding school,” he explained, reflecting on the mixed emotions that children often experience after a weekend off.
Seizing this opportunity, Harry opted to discuss his work with WellChild, an organisation dedicated to supporting seriously ill children and their families. He noted that the conversation seemed to captivate his children, who began asking questions about the families he would meet that evening. “I decided, ‘You know what? You’re being a little bit tricky, so I’m going to tell you exactly what I’m doing,’” he shared, emphasising the importance of instilling awareness of social issues in his children.
The WellChild Awards, which celebrate the achievements of courageous children and their caregivers, have been close to Harry’s heart since he became a patron in 2007. Over the years, his experiences with the families involved have transformed significantly, especially after becoming a parent himself. “Once you become a parent, it does change everything,” he reflected, recognising a deeper sense of gratitude for his own children’s health and well-being.
Harry elaborated on how his perspective has shifted since welcoming Archie and Lilibet into his life. He remarked, “It’s not the fact that for all the years that I wasn’t a parent that meeting the kids didn’t matter as much, but you suddenly realise how grateful you are to have kids that aren’t sick.” His encounters with families facing serious health challenges have left a lasting impression, inspiring him to remain engaged with the cause throughout the year.
Since moving back to the UK, Harry and Meghan Markle’s children have also been adapting to their new surroundings. The Sussex family arrived in the UK on August 26, just in time for Archie and Lilibet to start their new school term. However, just two days into school, they were required to change institutions due to security measures affecting their commute.
A representative for the family confirmed that the decision was made after a conversation with their security team, highlighting the importance of prioritising the children’s safety and comfort during this transitional period. “Getting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet settled in has been, and remains, their focus,” a source stated, indicating that the broader logistics of their life would follow suit when the moment was right.
In addition to discussing his experiences at the WellChild event, Harry shared a light-hearted story about his children’s culinary preferences, noting their fondness for a classic British food: Marmite on crumpets. Although beans on toast had not gone down well with them, the introduction of Marmite seemed to impress him. “Is that a British thing? Because it’s always been in my life, and now the kids are eating Marmite on crumpets, which is big for me,” he said, acknowledging their newfound appreciation for this quintessentially British fare.
Harry’s recent public appearances have primarily involved charity work since he returned to the UK without Meghan, who has been focused on ensuring a smooth adjustment for their children amidst the family’s significant move from California. In fact, this was one of three charity events he attended in under a week.
Sources have indicated that Harry has been contemplating his return to Britain for some time, with a desire for his children to learn about their heritage. Meanwhile, Meghan, who hails from California, equally values giving her children the opportunity to experience both their parents’ cultural backgrounds. A neighbour described her sentiments, noting that raising Archie and Lilibet in a dual-environment enriches their understanding of family roots.
As the Sussex family navigates the complexities of their ongoing transition, Harry’s engagement with WellChild serves as a poignant reminder of how personal experiences shape perspectives on broader societal issues, particularly those involving the welfare of vulnerable children.