The Duke of Sussex has issued a moving statement for the WellChild charity – of which he has been patron for 17 years – as he praises their ‘extraordinary spirit’ through difficult times
Prince Harry has reflected on his ‘greatest privilege’ of being a charity patron for WellChild, as they issued their latest report. The Duke of Sussex penned a poignant foreword for WellChild’s 2024-2025 report, as Harry praised their ‘extraordinary spirit’ through difficult times.
Harry has been a patron of WellChild – a UK-based charity that supports children with serious illnesses and complex medical needs – for 17 years, as he travelled to London in September this year to attend their annual awards ceremony. Despite stepping back from his royal duties in 2020, Harry has remained a dedicated supporter of the charity and their important work.
READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson teases next move as she breaks silence on ‘cattle shed’ rumoursREAD MORE: Kate Middleton handed key role ahead of historic state visit – details in full
In his letter, which was released with WellChild’s 2024-2025 report, the Duke spoke of the “immense pressure” that health and social care services face as his charity aims to “provide a lifeline”.
He wrote: “Each year, as Patron of WellChild, I’m humbled by the extraordinary spirit of the WellChild community. While the challenges facing families caring for children with complex medical needs have not lessened, the strength and resilience of those families, and the charity that supports them, remain steadfast.
“In the face of immense pressure on health and social care services, WellChild continues to provide a lifeline: advocating, innovating, and ensuring that seriously ill children can be safely cared for at home and in their communities, wherever possible.”
Harry then spoke about the ‘greatest privilege’ of being a patron for the charity, reflecting on the times he has attended their annual awards in London. He wrote: “One of the greatest privileges of my role is meeting the remarkable winners of the WellChild Awards. In 2024 it was my great pleasure to join the celebrations in person once again; a moment in my calendar that never fails to bring me so much enjoyment.
“Hearing the stories of these children, their families, and the professionals who support them is a reminder of what matters most: community, connection, and compassion.”
After attending this year’s ceremony in London, Harry met with his father King Charles in Clarence House for the first time in almost two years, with the estranged father and son having a 55-minute private tea together.
In the foreword, the Duke of Sussex went on to praise WellChild’s Family Tree peer-to-peer support network, as he said: “It is heartening to see more families joining this vital community, which now stretches right across the UK. In a world that often feels isolating for those caring for children with complex medical needs, the Family Tree offers friendship, advice, and a reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone.”
He added that times are “still difficult”, there is still “enormous strain on families and the charities,” and thanked the staff and trustees of the charity for their continued efforts.
“To everyone who has played a part in making this possible – the brilliant staff, the board of Trustees, the WellChild Nurses, the supporters, the volunteers, the families – thank you! Your part in our story changes lives every day, and I am honoured to stand beside you in this mission,” he concluded the statement.
After touching down in the UK for the awards in September, Harry charmed children by indulging in a playful sword fight with a balloon, and accepted personalised gifts for Archie and Lilibet.
