Prince Harry to return to UK for WellChild awards without Meghan Markle

19 September 2024, 22:55

Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle The Duchess of Sussex celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.
Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle The Duchess of Sussex celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

Prince Harry will return to the UK this month for the WellChild Awards in London.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Duke of Sussex will make the trip without his wife, Meghan Markle.

The WellChild Awards, of which Harry has been patron for 16 years, meets annually to honour children suffering from serious illnesses.

Harry will not be joined by Meghan or their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Ahead of the September 30 award show, Prince Harry said: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.

Read more: Prince William 'will not make birthday call to Harry' this weekend - as brothers 'don't even speak'

Read more: Prince Harry shares surprise message about his 'mission' to mark his 40th birthday

“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”

It is unknown whether Harry will meet with his father, the King, during his visit.

When the Duke last visited the UK in May, King Charles did not meet with his youngest son.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at San Basilio de Palenque during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Colombia
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at San Basilio de Palenque during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Colombia. Picture: Getty

At the time, his Majesty was undergoing cancer treatment.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry said: “The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

The Prince celebrated his 40th birthday this week and to the surprise of many, he received well wishes from his brother William.

In a message shared across their social media platforms, the couple said: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!"

It marks the first time a public message for Harry has been shared by the royal family since 2021.

It came after King Charles also shared a message on Sunday morning, saying: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!"

It follows reports that William had no plans to make a birthday call to Harry as the brothers "don't even speak" anymore.

A source told the Mirror: "What a difference the years have brought. When Harry turned 30, it looked like nothing could come between him and his brother.

"Together, they were set to become the new face of the royals, injecting a much needed modernisation of The Firm.

"But now, William and Harry don’t even speak.

"Before, they always ­celebrated major milestones together but there will be no transatlantic call between to the two on Harry’s big day."

Harry said he was "excited" to turn 40 this weekend as he prepared to celebrate with friends and family.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Beckham is said to be good friends with King Charles and the pair were seen chatting at the Chelsea Flower show last mont

Sir David Beckham? Football icon ‘set for knighthood’ in King’s Birthday Honours

Tinie Tempah has said that young people are 'losing that physical connection' by not being part of the UK's nightlife economy

Tinie Tempah says nightlife crisis means ‘losing that physical connection’

Sepsis patients in intensive care may benefit from statin therapy. Nurse pictured in intensive care unit

Statins can reduce sepsis deaths, study suggests

Hackers sent an abusive email to the boss of Marks & Spencer

M&S hackers 'sent abuse and ransom demand directly to CEO'

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola, right, speaks with Jack Grealish.

Jack Grealish 'told his Manchester City career is over' as club set sell England star for 'cut-price fee'

Adrian and Gillian Bayford

The UK’s 10 biggest EuroMillions wins - as a record £208 million is up for grabs tonight

People look at a residential multi-storey building damaged after a Russian drone strike on Kyiv, Ukraine

At least four dead in Russian strike on Kyiv days after Putin vowed revenge for Ukrainian attack on Kremlin bombers

Ambulance vehicles outside the London Ambulance Service headquarters in Waterloo.

Labour promises to slash A&E waiting times and end 'corridor care' with £450m NHS investment in England

The prize pot for the National Lottery EuroMillions is growing after no one claimed Tuesday's £199million prize - which was already a record-setting jackpot

UK ticket-holder could win record £208 million in Friday’s EuroMillions draw – bigger than Adele or Dua Lipa's fortunes

Disabled activists march towards Parliament on March 26, 2025 in London, England.

Thousands of protesters will gather to ‘send message’ to government for ‘targeting poorest’ with spending cuts

Exclusive
‘Coward’ Farage is not prepared to be introspective, former Reform UK Deputy Leader has told LBC.

Reform UK is a 'Nigel Farage cult': Former deputy leader speaks out amid burqa ban row

Robinson is presented with a a business card for the CEO of Hawksmoor and advised to contact the email address "if he has any questions".

Tommy Robinson 'kicked out' of London steakhouse after staff 'felt uncomfortable serving him'

Six water companies have been banned from paying bonuses to senior bosses, under new rules that come into force on Friday.

Six water companies including Thames Water banned from paying bonuses to bosses

Exclusive
Starmer ‘needs to get ballsy on defence spending’, former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tells LBC

Starmer ‘needs to get ballsy on defence spending’, former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tells LBC

Israeli and U.S.-backed group paused food deliveries at its three distribution sites in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday,

British Palestinians urge UK to sanction Israel over Gaza crisis as families starve under blockade

Ms Zablocka came to the UK in 2009 from Poland and was living in the Normanton area of Derby, but lost contact with her family in August 2010

Woman charged with murder of Polish woman who disappeared 15 years ago as human remains found