Prince Harry remembers The Queen at WellChild Awards

Prince Harry has paid tribute to his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II in a moving speech at tonight’s WellChild awards.

He told the audience: “As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year as my grandmother passed away.

“As you also probably know, she was the first person to insist I come to be with you all, instead of going to her.

“And that’s precisely why I know exactly one year on, that she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy that we’re together, continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”

The Duke of Sussex made the comments at the charity event, which celebrates seriously ill children and their families, where he also revealed that his wife Meghan Markle was “very upset” not to be there.

Don’t miss… Prince Harry all smiles as he steps out without Meghan for WellChild Awards

Harry often attends the WellChild awards – having been a patron for 15 years – but was forced to withdraw from the event last year as it was held on the day the Queen died.

He was in London ahead of the event and withdrew in order to fly to Scotland to be with other members of the Royal Family.

Wearing a navy suit and pale blue tie, Harry arrived at The Hurlingham Club in south-west London for the event earlier this evening.

The Duke attended a pre-ceremony reception before he presented the award for inspirational child (aged four to six) and stood up to give the speech.

He used the speech to pay tribute to the youngsters, and said: “It’s wonderful to be here at the 18th annual WellChild Awards – a night I personally look forward to each year because I get to be with you.

“Tonight, we meet to celebrate the tremendous strength and spirit of children and young people across the UK and the individuals who are transforming at home care for thousands.

“Your collective stories of strength, compassion and perseverance are inspiring to not only those in this room, but many far and wide. You have set the bar and raised it time and time again, and I am so humbled to stand before you as I strive to convey your impact in words.”

He swiftly lightened the move by making a joke about his own family back home in California.

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Raising a laugh from the audience, he said: “As a father of two – and three dogs, so basically five – I’m acutely aware of the many joys and challenges that come with parenting. And that’s with kids who aren’t facing health challenges. So to the parent carers in the room, you have my sincerest admiration and respect.”

Harry attended the awards night alone, with Meghan staying at home to look after Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two. But he told one family Meghan was “very upset that she couldn’t be here”.

It marked the first time he had returned to the UK since June and he has no plans to meet with his family, even though tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the Queen’s death.  

Instead, he will fly to Dusseldorf, Germany for the start of the Invictus Games.

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