Prince Harry's Rare UK Visit: Charity Awards on the Queen’s Death Anniversary
EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry Returns to London for WellChild Awards, Fueling Speculation About Royal Rift
The drama is far from over for the British Royal Family! Prince Harry, 40, will be returning to the UK next month to attend the prestigious WellChild Awards on September 8, marking a rare public appearance in his home country. The Duke of Sussex will celebrate the remarkable achievements and resilience of seriously ill youngsters and their families at the ceremony, but the real question on everyone's mind is: what will he do about his estranged family members?
Harry, who has been a patron of WellChild for 17 years, will present an award to an inspirational child aged four to six, after spending time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception. This marks the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, which Harry attended in person, but this year he will not be accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle or their children Archie and Lilibet, who remain home in California.
The Duke's decision to attend the awards has sparked rumors that he may finally put aside his differences with King Charles III and Prince William. Insiders claim that Harry is eager to reconnect with his family members, but only if it can be done on his own terms. "Harry wants to show his commitment to the charitable work of WellChild and highlight the incredible stories of these young people," a source close to the prince said.
However, there's no guarantee that the brothers will put their differences aside. The two have been at odds since 2020, with tensions boiling over when Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior royals and pursued a life in California. The last time they saw each other was at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022, where they stood together but seemed to be worlds apart.
This visit will also bring back memories of the tumultuous days following the Queen's passing, when Meghan revealed on her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" that spending nearly three weeks away from their children left her feeling "not well." The Duchess didn't elaborate on specific dates, but many speculate it was during the period when Harry and Meghan remained in the UK due to the Queen's death.
In his memoir "Spare," Prince Harry wrote about the "difficult days" after the Queen's passing, describing how he and Meghan were separated from Archie and Lilibet for longer than they'd ever been. The family reunion was finally made possible when they returned to California, but not before they attended various public appearances with William and Kate at Windsor.
Sources close to the Royal Family have revealed that King Charles III asked Harry not to bring Meghan to Scotland during the Queen's final days, fueling speculation about the tense relationship between the couple and their family members. Harry claimed in his autobiography that there was a "really horrible reaction from my family members" when the Queen died.
The WellChild Awards will be attended by celebrities such as Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Rylan Clark, KSI, Oti Mabuse, Beverley Knight, and Pixie Lott, who were also present last year. This year's ceremony will mark the 20th anniversary of the awards, which celebrate the inspiring qualities of young people with serious illnesses and the dedication of those who care for them.
In a statement issued by WellChild today, Prince Harry said: "I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families, and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit. For 20 years these awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals - who support them every step of the way."
WellChild chief executive Matt James added: "We are excited to celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards, in association with GSK. Across the UK, more and more families are caring for children with serious and complex medical needs. Behind each winner's story is a network of extraordinary people who go above and beyond every single day."
This visit will undoubtedly raise eyebrows about the future of the Royal Family's relationships, but one thing is certain: Prince Harry will be shining a spotlight on the incredible work of WellChild, bringing hope and inspiration to those who need it most.
**Read more about the Royal Family drama and speculation surrounding their relationships at TheScholarlyNote.com.