Prince Harry’s latest visit to the United Kingdom has drawn both public attention and royal intrigue, as the Duke of Sussex returned for a series of charity engagements that coincided with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The packed itinerary—his longest stay in Britain since the Queen’s death—offered a poignant glimpse of Harry’s enduring commitment to causes close to his heart, while also reigniting speculation about the state of relations within the royal family.
On September 8, 2025, Harry, now 40, arrived in London to attend the WellChild Awards, an event he has prioritized for nearly two decades. According to People, the date held special significance, marking three years since the death of his beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. In a moving speech delivered at the ceremony, Harry paid tribute not only to the late monarch but also to the extraordinary children and families recognized by the charity. “For two decades, this event has shone a bright spotlight on the needs of children and young people living with complex medical conditions,” he told the audience, as reported by CNN. “But more than that, it has celebrated something far bigger – your courage, your resilience, and the extraordinary love of the families and carers who never stop showing up. Thank you for showing us the light when all too often darkness can consume us.”
The WellChild Awards, celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, honor the courage of seriously ill children and the dedication of those who care for them. Harry, who has served as the charity’s patron since 2007, has attended the awards 14 times and presented the Inspirational Child (aged 4–6) award to six-year-old Esmée Mcglinchey. Esmée, born prematurely at 28 weeks, has endured 39 surgeries, including two earlier this year. According to HELLO!, the Duke charmed Esmée by admiring her frilly socks—remarking, “My daughter would love these socks”—and encouraging her to put a Hula Hoop snack on her finger like a ring. Esmée’s mother, Toni Hynes, described Harry as “so friendly” and “patient,” saying, “It’s amazing to be here and for people to read about her and feel the same way that I do about her achievements.”
Harry’s warmth was evident throughout the evening as he interacted with other award recipients, including nine-year-old Gwen Foster and 13-year-old Ansel Hayward, who presented him with gifts for his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “Best gift ever, thank you so much. This is so cool, it’s going to make them so happy,” Harry told Gwen, who had gifted football shirts for Archie and Lilibet. He even engaged in a playful balloon sword fight, a moment that drew laughter from the young attendees and their families.
In his foreword for the WellChild Awards programme, Harry reflected on the significance of the occasion: “Tonight marks a very special occasion—the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Awards. For two decades, this event has shone a spotlight on the extraordinary courage, resilience, and spirit of children and young people living with complex medical needs across the UK, as well as the incredible dedication of those who care for them.” He went on to thank the charity’s team of specialist nurses, family support staff, and sponsors, emphasizing, “To the mums and dads out there—you are superheroes. Don’t ever forget it.”
After the awards, Harry made a private pilgrimage to Windsor, where he laid a wreath and flowers at the King George VI Memorial Chapel within St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, according to a spokesperson for the Sussexes. This quiet act of remembrance underscored the personal nature of his visit and his ongoing connection to his royal roots, even as he has established a new life in California with Meghan Markle and their children.
The following day, September 9, Harry traveled to Nottingham’s St Ann’s area to revisit the Community Recording Studio (CRS), an organization that teaches film, video, and music skills to young people. There, he announced a substantial donation to Children in Need, aimed at supporting grassroots efforts to tackle youth violence and provide creative opportunities for local youth. The event brought together groups such as CRS, Epic Partners, and Coach Core, alongside stakeholders and funders, to highlight their collective impact. According to People and CNN, Harry’s schedule included a private briefing with Children in Need, the Police and Crime Commission, and community leaders, as well as informal conversations with young people he had met on previous visits. He also watched live performances from CRS artists before giving a short speech and touring the facility.
Harry’s presence in the UK inevitably sparked speculation about a possible reunion with his father, King Charles III, whom he has not seen since February 2024 following the King’s cancer diagnosis. As CNN reported, Buckingham Palace has not commented on the possibility of a meeting, and Charles was spending his summer break at Balmoral in Scotland, with frequent trips south for treatment. In July, however, senior aides from both sides were photographed meeting in London, suggesting that communication channels may be opening and that the long-standing estrangement could be softening.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, marked the anniversary of the Queen’s death by visiting the National Federation of Women’s Institutes in Sunningdale, a group close to the late monarch’s heart. William was also scheduled to visit Spiral Skills, a youth organization in south London, to promote his homelessness initiative, Homewards.
Harry’s visit, solo and without Meghan or their children, comes after he lost a legal battle with the Home Office over security arrangements for his UK trips. Still, as HELLO! noted, he is reportedly hoping to visit home more often and, in time, bring his family along as well. The WellChild Awards, with their focus on resilience, community, and hope, served as a fitting backdrop for a royal figure whose journey has been marked by both public scrutiny and personal transformation.
Whether or not a royal reconciliation is imminent, Harry’s actions this week made it clear that his dedication to service and family remembrance remains as strong as ever. The children and families he honored—and the causes he championed—stood at the heart of his visit, offering a reminder of the enduring power of compassion and connection in the face of adversity.