Prince Harry features in a new video filmed from his Montecito home, calling on the public across the UK to nominate exceptional children and families for the 2026 WellChild Awards.
Harry’s Inspiring Message
As patron of WellChild for 18 years, Harry highlights the charity’s vital support for seriously ill children and young people. In the video, he states: “Every year, one of the moments I look forward to the most is spending time with the incredible children and families that I meet through the WellChild Awards. These children and young people are living with complex medical needs, challenges that most of us can barely imagine. And yet time and again they meet life with positivity, courage, humour and an extraordinary joy for living.”
He adds: “In their smiles, their determination and their kindness, they show us what strength truly looks like. The WellChild Awards is a truly special evening. It’s about celebrating these remarkable young people. It’s about recognising the siblings who so often put their own needs aside to care for a brother or sister. And of course it’s about honouring the parents, the carers, the nurses and professionals who give so much of themselves every single day with dedication, love and compassion.”
Call to Action for Nominations
Harry emphasizes community involvement: “But these awards can only happen with your help. So, if you know a child who’s learned hospital routines before playground games, a sibling who quietly became a carer or a parent or professional whose life revolves around constant selfless care, please nominate them for a WellChild Award. They might be a friend in a different part of the United Kingdom, or a stranger you see in your community every single week. We want to hear about them.”
“By nominating, you’re not just recognising an achievement, you’re telling a story. You’re shining a light on extraordinary bravery, on resilience and kindness that’s happening in communities across the United Kingdom every day – often unseen and too often uncelebrated. So thank you. Thank you for supporting WellChild, and please get nominating. We very much hope to see some of you at the 2026 WellChild Awards.”
Nominations close on March 16, 2026, in categories such as Inspirational Child or Young Person, Inspirational Parent or Carer, and Inspirational Health Professional.
WellChild’s Impact and Harry’s Commitment
Over two decades, WellChild has recognized 311 award winners and employs 53 specialist nurses to assist families facing serious medical conditions. Harry prioritizes the annual September ceremony, attending consistently despite relocating from the UK in 2020. He missed only the 2022 event following the passing of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
At last year’s awards, Harry reflected: “I still remember my very first WellChild Awards, eighteen years ago… I walked into the room, and within about three minutes I realised two things: the love and energy in the room was palpable, so too was the unpredictability! And second, that I was completely hooked on it all. This night has been a highlight of my year ever since and it’s all because of you guys – these children, this cause, and our WellChild community. Thank you for showing us the light when all too often darkness can consume us.”
Personal Reflections on Fatherhood
Harry shares how parenthood deepened his connection to the cause: “I think once you become a parent yourself, everything changes. It’s emotional enough not being a parent and seeing what these families go through, but then when you have your own kids or when you’re expecting your own kids, that’s when it really hits you.”
Recalling the 2018 awards, when he and Meghan Markle awaited their son Archie, he notes a poignant moment: “And I remember one of these years, I choked up on stage, and that was exactly it. I am so grateful to have healthy kids.”
