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Prince Harry has confirmed he will be in London for the annual WellChild Awards on Sept. 8
The awards ceremony is taking place on the third anniversary of the death of his beloved grandmother Queen Elizabeth
The Duke of Sussex, 40, says he feels "privileged" to be at the awards once again
Prince Harry is heading back to the U.K. for a special event on a poignant date.
The Duke of Sussex has confirmed that he will attend the annual WellChild Awards on Sept. 8 -- the third anniversary of the death of his beloved grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. for young people living with complex health challenges
The awards ceremony celebrates the incredible courage and achievements of seriously ill children and it is an event that Harry, 40, regularly attends. He has been patron of the charity since 2007 and it is one of the few causes Harry has kept since stepping back from his role as a full-working member of the royal family in January 2020.
When he is in the U.K., it is unknown if Harry will visit with his father King Charles, who he has not seen in person since Feb. 2024 soon after Charles, 76, revealed he was being treated for an undisclosed cancer. When Harry returned to the U.K. in May 2024 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and that September for last year's WellChild Awards, he did not see his father amid a deep estrangement, made worse by a legal battle Harry was fighting over the removal of his official security in the U.K. He also returned to London in April this year to attend court amid the appeal to restore his security, a battle which he ultimately ended up losing.
Relations are strained, too, with his brother Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Chris Jackson/Getty
Prince Harry at last year's WellChild Awards in Central London in September 2024Harry has made no secret of his desire for a reunion with his family, telling BBC News in May that he "would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore."
In a statement on the WellChild website confirming his attendance, Harry said on Thursday, Aug. 28, "I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit."
"For 20 years these Awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals - who support them every step of the way. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community," he continued.
The WellChild Awards highlight the resilience of young people facing serious health challenges and the dedication of those who care for them, from parents to nurses. Harry usually presents an award and makes a speech. He also spends meaningful time connecting with the courageous children, their families and the dedicated caregivers who support them.
WellChild chief executive, Matt James, added, "Across the UK, more and more families are caring for children with serious and complex medical needs. Behind each winner's story is a network of extraordinary people who go above and beyond every single day."
Before last year's ceremony, James told PEOPLE, "With the awards, we try to shine a light on a group of really inspiring young people and carers who are often unseen and unrecognized,"
"Having Prince Harry, the WellChild patron, with us not only allows us to provide them with a night they will never forget, but also provides a powerful platform to tell their stories and show the world what it's like when caring for a child with complex medical needs," he continued.
James added, "It allows us to both create a magical experience for our winners, but also provides us with a platform to tell their important stories."
Harry was expected to attend the annual awards evening in September 2022 with his wife Meghan Markle but cancelled as he and other members of the royal family rushed to Balmoral Castle, Scotland, to be with the Queen.
Hopes were raised for a rapprochement between Harry and his father in July when aides of Harry and the King met for the first time in London.
But he also said to the BBC that he understood feelings ran deep over claims made in his memoir, Spare, released in January 2023. "Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for … lots of things," Harry he said.
