Prince Harry was given some sweet gifts for his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during the first day of his visit back to the UK. The Duke of Sussex attended the annual WellChild awards in London on Monday, where he gave an impassioned speech, paying tribute to the seriously ill children and young people recognised by the charity as a “beacon of hope and inspiration”.
Before the ceremony, Harry met with some of the children, including nine-year-old Gwen Foster, the Inspirational Child aged 7-11 winner who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Gwen gave the Duke two tiny football shirts of her favourite teams for Archie and Lilibet, after which Harry responded: “Best gift ever, thank you so much.
“This is so cool, it’s going to make them so happy.”
Lilibet’s t-shirt featured Wigan Athletic, while Archie was gifted a Brighton and Hove Albion top.
Harry and the nine-year-old then enjoyed a balloon sword fight after Gwen challenged him to a duel with the toys made by a balloon sculptor.
The Duke ended the night of celebration by telling the awards winners to “keep fighting. Keep smiling” as the charity honoured their efforts to succeed and thrive despite life-threatening conditions.
The Duke, who is WellChild’s patron, told the winners during the presentation ceremony “this is your moment”.
He added: “While we reflect on 20 years of these awards, the truth is that you are the story. You are the reason we gather here.
“Each of you is a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just to those in this room, but to the nation.
“Keep fighting. Keep smiling. And above all, keep showing us what strength, courage and joy really look like.”
