Prince Harry stepped out for an open-air WellChild Awards event in London

Yesterday, the Sun ran a mysterious gossip item that Prince Harry would break his quarantine a little bit earlier than expected so he could go to a secret charity bash. One of my guesses was that it had something to do with WellChild, which has remained one of Harry’s patronages even with the Sussexit. Well, I was right! It was a somewhat socially-distant outdoor party at the Kew Gardens for the WellChild Awards. Harry was there with Ed Sheeran and some other special guests. He apparently chatted with Ed about babies – Ed and his wife Cherry welcomed their daughter Lyra last year, and Ed asked him how it is with two young children. Harry told him: “Two is definitely a juggle… We’ve been lucky so far, she’s very chilled and seems happy to just sit there while Archie is running around like crazy.”

Harry did what he always does at WellChild events, which is spend break-away time with individual kids and their parents and caretakers. He’s very hands-on and very charismatic with kids and they’re really drawn to Harry’s energy. He also gave a speech:

During a speech given at the event, Harry reflected on his 14 years as patron of the national charity. “Since becoming patron of WellChild in 2007, this organization and the people within it have held an extraordinarily special place in my heart,” he said. “I wasn’t a father at the time, and yet the stories of these children and parents transcended that. I didn’t need to be a dad to feel the impact of this invaluable work. Now as a father of two, I 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.”

He continued, “The health of our children, of all of us, could not have been more on the forefront of our minds during the past year. And, throughout this time, the WellChild community has set an example for how to show up and act with compassion for each other. I could not be prouder to be here, to meet this year’s WellChild Award winners, to thank the nurses and doctors for all they do, and to celebrate these amazing families.”

[From Harper’s Bazaar]

I remember when Harry was maybe 18 or 19 years old, and seeing him light up whenever he was around babies and little kids. He just has that thing that his mother had. He’s always had it. It’s more than just a personal charisma, it’s that high-EQ thing plus a deep well of vulnerability and empathy. The vulnerability and empathy just emanated from Harry and Diana. People were just drawn to her, and drawn to seek out her compassion because they knew she suffered too. This too is how he honors his mother on what would have been her 60th birthday.

Photos courtesy of WellChild’s social media.

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68 Responses to “Prince Harry stepped out for an open-air WellChild Awards event in London”

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  1. Feeshalori says:

    Harry is all Diana would have wanted in her son and more. She’d have been so proud of him and what a way to honor her.

    • Truthiness says:

      Forget the damn statue, Harry is the living, breathing embodiment of Diana’s essense. It’s thrilling to see Harry and Meghan emerge on the other side after a very dark abusive time. The real Harry has been unleashed and Royal Family, look at what you are missing.

      • Alexandria says:

        @Truthiness, wow indeed. The world had Diana many years ago and nobody would have thought or even expected her sons to be like her. But I myself am surprised Harry turned out to be as compassionate and charismatic. I grew up with stories of naughty not so smart Harry. Now look at him. And look at Meghan. I did not know much about her but she has been amazing and I was completely speechless when she spoke at the foursome panel.

    • Elizabeth Regina says:

      Absolutely. And the genuine ease, charisma and work ethic is partly why Harry is envied, resented and hated by a certain someone and his handlers. I think someone needs to tell that person that it is easier to work at getting better than to ask someone to dim their light for you.

    • Love that last sentence Elizabeth Regina, “… it is easier to work at getting better than to ask someone to dim their light for you.” This is the great thing about Harry and Meghan —- they just quietly, without drama, show up and do the work. I also love how they never appear to be rigidly scripted and overly formal. Both of them exude compassion and concern. It’s not about duty for them, but commitment and so it’s a genuine interest they project. What a beautiful way to honor his mother. I made a donation to WellChild yesterday in honor of Harry and his family. I’m sure many others will too.

      Meanwhile, House Cambridge focuses on getting as many nasty rumors and smears publicly aired as possible…and taking a 5 year old boy to a sports event in a suit and tie. Poor George, that’s all I felt when I saw those photos. What child is having fun dressed so formally? I guess George is going to have to step in as William’s “wingman” at a very early age because no one seems to think William can do the job alone!

    • Emm says:

      Agreed and as a mom with a child who has complex medical needs that last photo of him made me tear up.

  2. Lizzie says:

    And he blew Bill and Cathy Middleton right out of the headlines. Again. Oh, I bet there is a little bit of rage in KP.

    • Elizabeth Regina says:

      Even Harry’s old suede shoes will blow those two out of the water, any day any time.

  3. Angie says:

    He’s so handsome and engaging. I wouldn’t travel downstairs to meet William, but I’d probably travel across state boundaries to have a chance to meet Harry.

    • Over it says:

      Lol. Love it, me too

    • Nomegusta says:

      The way I just choked reading that 😂

      Samsies!

    • Elizabeth Regina says:

      The only person I went out of my to lay flowers for in that family was Diana. For Harry and Meghan, I will cross oceans and I’ve NEVER been part of a fandom before in all my advanced years.

    • swaz says:

      me too 🤣🤣

    • SwirlmamaD says:

      Lol…same!!! I would be speechless if I ever got to meet Meghan and Harry one day…I really admire them and the way they just keep doing and being l their best, even after all they’ve been through.

    • Pat says:

      Angie, I believe a lot of us feel that way. William needs to fix some personal issues of his. William gives me negative vibes where as Harry had given me warm Diana vibes since I saw something on him several years back( before he ever met Meghan) about him working on a project that involved digging wells for clean water in Africa. I was constantly on the lookout for anything Diana after watching her charitable endeavors. I saw the wedding but Diana’s charity projects were what made me take notice of her. She gave off a real warmth, just genuine. I feel the same way when I watched Harry talking about digging wells for clean drinking water. He has his mother’s fire. I love it. I see it every time he’s shown as being involved in a project of some type. Now Meghan and Harry together are better than fantastic. The dynamic between them is so natural. They need to bottle that and ship some to a few family members. They are genuinely interested in projects that help people.

  4. Over it says:

    I really love and respect this man. Him and Meghan are perfect for each other. I love that he loves his patronage’s especially well child and it’s not just a photo opp moment for him unlike some over there in keenbridges county. And can I just say, damm Megs man looks goooddddd.

  5. Matthew says:

    I love him freezing out the entire royal rota – it’s so delicious I could literally eat it for breakfast.

  6. Becks1 says:

    The pictures and videos from this event are really heartwarming and lovely. Harry looks so relaxed and at ease. I’m sure everyone there was thrilled that he showed up.

  7. Moxylady says:

    He’s such a good egg. As a human? I am deeply proud of him. Also two is NO joke. Omg.

    • Cecilia says:

      My mother always said that as soon you have 2 young kids it feels like you have twenty LOL.

      • Becks1 says:

        My mom had four kids total and she said that the hardest point was having two – because you are pulled in two different directions all the time. She said with #s 3 and 4, you don’t give a damn anymore lol and you just do what you can. Like you only have two hands, so only two kids get to hold your hand, and that’s just how it is.

      • Emineminaemin says:

        Same. I have a 6 yr old boy and a 9 month old girl. The 9 month old just started walking a week before she turned 9 months and it’s already chaos. Not sure how people manage with more.

  8. Merricat says:

    Time well spent. Good for Harry, and good for WellChild.

  9. Cecilia says:

    I love that he made it to this event! With their move to the US i did worry a bit that their UK charities would be left behind a bit. But its good to see ge hasn’t forgotten them.

    God he’s so good with people!

    • Elizabeth Regina says:

      All his charities are thankful to have him as a patron. He is genuinely interested and hands on.

  10. Sofia says:

    Yeah he absolutely does love kids. WellChild is definitely a charity very close to his heart. And I saw that the rota was locked out. To that I say to them: lol.

    And I’ll be pelted with tomatoes for saying this but I said it to the Cambridges when they were doing open air events so I’ll be saying it to Harry too: wish masks were worn.

    Yes I can see it’s socially distance. Yes he’s most likely fully vaccinated. Yes it’s open air. Yes he doesn’t have to wear a mask outside. But again, I said it on the Cambridge posts so I’m saying it here too. The Delta variant is truly no joke. I know fully vaccinated people who have gotten COVID.

    • Jan says:

      Everyone at the event was tested for COVID, and social distancing was encouraged.
      Another new strain, Delta Plus, I’m fully vaccinated, but still wearing my mask.

    • Cecilia says:

      I kind off agree with you sofia. These are children who already have health problems. Vaccinated or not a mask is a good means of precaution. And indeed that delta variant is no joke.

      • MsIam says:

        What would have prevented the parents from having their kids wear masks or wearing masks themselves? The parents know their kid’s health restrictions better than anyone. I still wear a mask indoors for sure but not outdoors.

    • Elizabeth Regina says:

      I read through what you said and I stayed my hands. No rotten tomatoes will be thrown at you. Yes I agree. I am paranoid about wearing masks, outdoors event or not.

      • Sofia says:

        Haha thank you! And I’ll be mask wearing until mid August at least. Restrictions will drop July 19th but I’m still going to be cautious.

      • Elizabeth Regina says:

        That is very wise Sofia but I’m more paranoid than you. I will carry on wearing my mask for another year perhaps as we don’t know what other variant might appear.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      He and Meghan have been true to their word, they will NOT engage with the RR every again.

  11. girl_ninja says:

    What a lovely event and I’m glad that Harry was able to attend and meet the people who benefit from WellChild. He looks SO good. Like Goodt. Goodt. He’s just getting more and more handsome and really growing into husbandhood and fatherhood. I am so happy for him and Meghan and their babies. He’s fighting for a truly happy life worth living and the haters on Shudder Island cannot take that away from him.

  12. MsIam says:

    Harry is authentic and that’s why people are drawn to him. I like that he’s not dressed in a stuffy suit, he looks more approachable especially to kids. But this event makes the excuse of “COVID restrictions” for why Keen can’t come to the unveiling even more ridiculous. There are way more people at this outdoor event and yet adding Kate and the kids to the outdoor unveiling would tip the scales?

    • Becks1 says:

      That’s what I said yesterday in the post about this – so this event is in compliance with the COVID rules, but Kate attending the unveiling is not?

      Yeah someone doesnt want her there.

    • Lizzie says:

      Just going by what I read on this site, the number of people are restricted by covid regulations at both. Kate could, in theory, go to Diana’s statue unveiling but then someone else would be pushed out.

    • BothSidesNow says:

      That is exactly what Harry is, authentic!! MsIam, you have nailed him perfectly!! Besides the ongoing participation, charisma and support, he is always himself and that’s why people love him and the patronages adore him!!
      Harry and Meghan carry the same qualities and personalities that are very grounded and and authentic. This is why their patronages love them!! They show up consistently, participate, and engage!! They don’t spend 10 minutes and leave never to be seen or heard for 2-10 years. They show up, listen and shine a light on the actual patronages and speak from the heart and the speak with interest and knowledge. Harry and Meghan do their homework and stick with it, whereas TOB and Keen Guevara are hardly seen or are invested in learning, doing the homework!!

      Bravo Harry!!

  13. Jan says:

    Just to be shallow, Harry is wearing new shoes, along with new clothes.

    • MsIam says:

      I imagine Meghan gave those brown suede ones to Pula, lol. “Aww, Haz I’m sorry Pula didn’t mean it, but now you’ll have to buy some new ones.” Jk!

    • Asking for a friend says:

      Isn’t it amazing how no one ever reports on the men’s outfits – what they wore and how much their outfits cost? I’m sure the outfits are much cheaper in comparison, but it does feel inherently sexist for the media to only focus on Meghan and Kate.

      • Betsy says:

        I think people would flat out faint if they know how much the boys’ Savile Row suits cost. My husband loves suits and while he doesn’t follow or care about the royals, he LOVES their suits.

      • Becks1 says:

        Their casual outfits may be cheaper, but custom suits (which I know Charles wears) are not cheap by any means.

    • smlstrs says:

      Honest question, bc I don’t know mens clothes well – how can you tell they’re new?

  14. GuestWho says:

    This was the kind of event where Harry really shines – getting involved with children and their families. What I loved most about the twitter reaction was how happy everyone was about his new shoes!!!

    I hope he makes it through today with a smile on his face and his return ticket home in his pocket ready to go.

  15. Calibration says:

    He looks so amazing! So free, healthy and handsome. Unlike the Other Brother. Meanwhile one of the tabs tried to accuse him of paid appearances (like that’s bad for people who earn their own money) but I’m so happy it’s this group. Tabs can screw themselves

    • MsIam says:

      Paid appearances for WellChild? That’s ridiculous, he’s been their patron for almost 15 years. They may have offered honorarium to Ed Sheeran and others but not to Harry. Tabloids are scum.

      • Merricat says:

        They’re mad they got shut out.

      • Calibration says:

        Yes! The paid appearances thing was clearly bogus. I would never believe. I saw that note on Sussex daily on insta.. They just wanted to trash him

  16. Lady Digby says:

    Harry has star quality and empathy and interest in others that the tightly wound and self absorbed William will never have. William may one day be king but never king of hearts!

  17. Harper says:

    You can feel Harry’s dedication to this group–as soon as his quarantine is up he’s there for an engagement. And since we now know his quarantine is up, where is the report that the Cambridges invited Harry over to spend time with the kids and to reconcile? I would think Keen would have been trying to get Harry photographed driving into KP for one of her peace summits.

  18. Amy Bee says:

    It was really nice that Harry could attend this event. It shows how much he cares about Wellchild and it also means that he has no plans to go back to UK later in the year.

  19. EnormousCoat says:

    I’m accessing an old memory, but I used to read my mom’s People mag as a kid. And I remember (or think that I do) reading an interview with Diana where she stated that William was very serious and Harry was more lighthearted and “naughty” like her. I do think she identified with him because they have many shared traits. He always seems very at ease with people, which he definitely gets from his mother.

  20. Moira's Rose's Garden says:

    He and Megs are just the best. Their authenticity speaks volumes.

    Stay mad Bill & Catty.

  21. Jay says:

    You can tell that everybody at that event feels like he is speaking to them – very genuine. That’s a real skill. You can’t fake those kinds of interactions, especially with kids! They have amazing BS radars lol.

    I wonder if doing this kind of event gives him a positive vibe going into his mother’s statue unveiling today. I hope so!

  22. Sarah says:

    Comments questioning the social distancing get blocked…

    • Geraldine Granger says:

      There are multiple comments above…

    • Sofia says:

      My comments about the lack of mask wearing are still there. As are the replies of some people agreeing with me.

  23. Izzy says:

    Harry really is a good human being, and it really shines with every engagement. On a personal and completely superficial note, I take petty satisfaction in the fact that he’s doing this for a patronage that openly said “No thanks, we’ll keep the patron we’ve got, even if you don’t want him in your family.”

  24. susan says:

    Bbbbbut…..bbbbut….bbbbut William went to a football match!

  25. one of the Marys says:

    I was on wellchild Instagram last night after work, the trolls actually went there yes they did. Some people have a very unhealthy hobby of trolling don’t they it’s pitiful
    The photos look nice and I’ll give credit to Harry for a job well done. It is intimidating to sit down directly opposite a family who are expectantly waiting and then make sincere, warm conversation. But he’s been the patron for years and it shows

    • equality says:

      Some jerk tried to spread some anonymous statement on Twitter about Harry being asked by a child to see a picture of Lili and that he just rudely turned and walked away. These people are tiresome.

  26. Athena says:

    I noticed the new shoes right away and someone mentioned that he had a belt on. I’m glad he dropped the British Prince uniform (Chinos and suede shoes) in favor of international business casual. Harry must have blushed reading the comments on Twitter. He looked healthy and at peace with himself.

  27. Lilly (with the double_L) says:

    I needed some news to make me smile. I adore people that connect so well with others, especially children. He brightened so many lives and congrats to all the winners. I watched their stories on IG. My gosh there are wonderful people in the world – which may seem “duh” and there are days I have my doubts.

  28. Robin says:

    A royal being relaxed, engaged and joyful. I wish you’d never left/been forced out, Harry.

  29. Jayna says:

    I know he has to miss England in some respects, so I’m glad he was able to connect to the public in this visit and see he’s still beloved.

  30. Calibration says:

    The video on wellchild’s insta is so lovely, it made me cry. What a wonderful charity.