Prince Harry speaks to attendees at the WellChild Awards

A video has emerged of Prince Harry backstage at the WellChild Awards, chatting with one of the children set to receive an award at this evening’s event.

Prince Harry flew into the UK earlier today, ready for his appearance at the Awards this evening in London.

In the sweet video, Harry can be seen interacting with seven-year-old Poppy.

The little girl is in attendance as she is due to pick up the Caring Child Award due to how much she helps out her 17-year-old sister, Paige – who has severe epilepsy and hyperinsulinism and currently requires 24-hour care to manage her health conditions.

In the video, Poppy is seen mesmerised by a giant giraffe balloon – much like Harry who laughed as she picked it up.

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As it is balanced on the floor by, according to Harry, “heavy ball weights”, Poppy then goes to pick it up. At this moment, Harry laughs – seemingly equally as amused by the balloon.

He spoke with some of the children about their interests and hobbies and had several interactions with their accompanying balloons, which were also shaped as different animals.

It was the first time the royal had been seen in the UK since his high-profile legal case at the High Court against Mirror Group Newspapers earlier in the year.

Harry has frequently made an appearance each year at the WellChild Awards, having been a patron for the charity for 15 years.

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An exception came last year after Harry, and Meghan Markle, made the decision to pull out of their appearance following the death of the late Queen.

The couple were due to attend the event, which took place during the evening of September 8 last year.

His attendance at this year’s event was confirmed last month and his association with the charity stands as one of his longest-running charitable connections.

In a statement to HELLO!, Harry spoke of WellChild, stating: “For over four decades, WellChild has been transforming the lives of children and young people across the UK, providing critical care that prioritizes the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of these individuals and their families.

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“The courage and strength embodied by these young people – and the tireless devotion of those who support them – never cease to inspire me. I’m honoured to attend this year’s awards ceremony and celebrate their incredible work.”

As this year’s event got underway, Harry made sure to mention his beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

In his speech, Harry said: “As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year as my grandmother passed away.

“As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist I still come to be with you all instead of going to her, and that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight – happy we are together – continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”

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