Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, recently appeared in a video message to encourage nominations for the 2025 WellChild Awards. This annual event, celebrating the resilience of seriously ill children and their caregivers across the UK, holds a special place in Harry’s heart as one of the few patronages he retained after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
The WellChild Awards, presented in association with GSK, highlight the remarkable strength and courage of children facing complex medical conditions and acknowledge the unwavering dedication of those who care for them. For Harry, the event is deeply personal, allowing him to connect with families and caregivers on an emotional level.
“Each year, the WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, recognize and celebrate the growing number of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom as well as those who go the extra mile to care for them,” Harry stated in the video released in partnership with Hello magazine.
He emphasized the importance of sharing inspiring stories: “They allow us to shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage that they demonstrate every single day.” Harry’s long-standing commitment to WellChild, serving as a patron since 2007, underscores the significance of this cause.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Awards, making it an especially significant milestone. “This year is especially significant as we celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards,” Harry commented. “It is a true privilege to honor the bravery and compassion of this incredible community.” He urged the public to nominate deserving individuals who embody the spirit of WellChild.
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To ensure the success of the awards, Harry emphasized the crucial role of public participation: “in order for the awards to take place ‘we need your help to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you every single day.'” Hello magazine echoed this call to action on their social media platforms, encouraging nominations through their online portal.
The WellChild Awards have consistently recognized exceptional individuals. Last year, Prince Harry received a touching gift from 10-year-old Scarlett, a WellChild Award recipient. Scarlett presented Harry with crystal hearts for him, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, symbolizing comfort and support during challenging times. Scarlett’s own story of resilience, undergoing major brain surgeries and exhibiting extraordinary kindness towards other hospitalized children, exemplifies the spirit of the WellChild Awards.
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For Harry, fatherhood has deepened his connection to WellChild. In 2021, he spoke about how becoming a father amplified his admiration for the families supported by the charity. He stated that being a father of two has made him feel “all the more connected, inspired and in awe of the resilience of these families, who power through indescribable challenges with the support of WellChild.” The WellChild Awards continue to be a platform for recognizing extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
