Prince Harry’s latest visit to the United Kingdom made headlines on September 9, 2025, as the Duke of Sussex returned to Nottingham—a city with which he shares a long and heartfelt history. His trip, however, wasn’t just another royal appearance. This time, Harry brought with him a personal pledge: a £1.1 million donation to BBC Children in Need, aimed directly at supporting grassroots organizations working with young people impacted by violence, primarily in Nottingham. The BBC charity itself added another £300,000 to the pot, amplifying the impact of the initiative.
Arriving at the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in the St Ann’s area, Prince Harry was greeted by students from Blue Bell Hill Primary School, local charity leaders, and a crowd of supporters. He wasted no time setting a lively tone, showing off his dance moves and quickly engaging with the young people gathered inside the studio. For many in attendance, his visit was more than just a photo opportunity—it was a moment of validation. As Emma Thornton, a Year 6 teacher at Blue Bell Hill, told BBC News, “There is really high levels of deprivation in St Ann’s – for them to know that someone like Prince Harry is bothered to come to their community, it gives real value I think to them.”
The CRS, which has become a safe haven for young people in Nottingham, was buzzing with excitement. Prince Harry listened intently to a rap performance by Paige, a local youth, who shared her story of overcoming challenges. “You gave me goosebumps,” Harry told her, visibly moved by the performance. The prince also joined in conversations with youth workers and local groups about the pressing issues facing the city, including youth violence, knife crime, food poverty, racism, and educational inequality.
During his speech, Prince Harry did not shy away from the city’s difficulties. “Nottingham has been a place where I’ve heard harrowing stories, learned important lessons, seen resilience, and felt truly inspired,” he said, as reported by BBC. “The challenges remain serious and sadly aren’t getting any easier. Violence impacting young people, particularly knife crime, continues to devastate lives, cut futures short, and leave families in grief.”
Harry’s commitment to supporting young people in Nottingham is longstanding. His connection to the city dates back more than a decade, with multiple visits since 2013 to back youth projects, mental health initiatives, and campaigns against gang violence. In 2015, he threw his support behind a project to tackle gang violence, and in 2017, he described Nottingham as “unique” after handing out certificates to graduates of the Coach Core apprenticeship scheme. The city, it seems, has left a lasting impression on the duke—and vice versa.
This latest donation, however, marks a significant escalation in his support. Tony Okotie, director of impact at BBC Children in Need, called the donation “a powerful endorsement of the work being done at a grassroots level to positively impact young people’s futures.” He added, “Youth work is a lifeline for many young people. It makes up around 30% of the projects that we support at BBC Children in Need, so this funding will help us reach even more communities where young people are ready to be heard and supported.”
Trevor Rose, CEO at CRS, echoed this sentiment: “The duke’s visit and this generous donation are a powerful endorsement of the work being done at a grassroots level to positively impact young people’s futures. It’s a reminder that when we invest in young people, we invest in safer, stronger communities.”
The donation is notable not just for its size—£1.1 million from Harry’s own pocket, not through his Archewell Foundation—but for the intent behind it. According to Daniela Relph, BBC’s senior royal correspondent, those close to Harry say he wanted to make a contribution that would truly change the way organizations are run, not just top up existing funding. Much of the money will go directly to the CRS, a place Harry has visited repeatedly and where he has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of youth work and creative outlets.
Prince Harry’s day in Nottingham was filled with moments that highlighted his genuine connection to the community. He posed for selfies with fans, including cousins Demi-Leigh and Daniella Crofts, who came in memory of their grandmother, a devoted Harry fan. One young attendee, Adira, summed up the excitement: “I’m not washing my hand for a week.”
Outside the event, the admiration was palpable. Margaret Wilson, a longtime fan who traveled from Mansfield, wore a T-shirt declaring her support: “Team Harry. Lifetime Member. Man. Myth. Legend.” She told the PA news agency, “He’s doing a lot for charity and he’s not even on the payroll. He doesn’t have to do this, he’s choosing to do this.”
Prince Harry’s support for young people in the UK extends beyond Nottingham. Just the night before, he attended the WellChild Awards in London, presenting honors to children facing extraordinary health challenges. In his speech at the event, he praised WellChild nurses for “making an enormous difference.”
Yet, as much as the focus was on charity, there was an undercurrent of royal family drama. The visit came amid speculation about a possible meeting between Harry and his father, King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024. The two have not met face to face since then, and Harry has spoken openly about his desire for reconciliation, telling the BBC earlier this year, “I would love a reconciliation with my family.” With representatives from both sides reportedly meeting over the summer, many wondered if this trip would mark a turning point in the family’s relationship.
Despite living in the United States with his wife Meghan and their children, Harry’s actions in Nottingham reinforce his enduring commitment to the UK and its young people. As he put it when announcing the grant, “The incredible work being done by grassroots organisations like CRS and Epic Partners is not only inspiring – it’s essential. We’re grateful for the support of BBC Children in Need in helping changemakers in the city continue their mission to create safe spaces, build trust, and offer hope and belonging to young people who need it most.”
As Prince Harry departed Nottingham in his black Range Rover, waving to the crowd and leaving behind a city buzzing with hope, it was clear that his connection to the community runs deeper than just royal duty. For the young people of St Ann’s, and for the organizations working tirelessly to support them, this was more than a royal visit—it was a sign that their voices matter, and that change is possible when someone in a position of influence decides to listen and invest.
