Prince Harry has said his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II “is looking down on all of us” as he spoke at a charity awards event on the eve of the anniversary of her death.
Harry attended the the WellChild Awards ceremony in London on Thursday night, 7 September, his first appearance in the UK since June.
In a speech at the ceremony, the duke 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 that I still 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 we’re together, continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”
The Duke of Sussex continued: “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.
“The level of support and responsibility you share daily is unrivalled and without fail."
Harry continued: “You deserve all the assistance you need – whether it’s training enough skilled carers to help shoulder the increasing demands of 24/7 care routines or simply providing time and space for you to take a break once in a while.
“It is our collective responsibility to continue to provide new and existing resources for you, to advocate on your behalf, and to help in any way we can.
“You are proof that not all superheroes wear capes!”
The Duke of Sussex said more work needs to be done for children with complex medical needs to ensure they spend less time in hospital.
He said: “With the number of children and young people living with complex medical needs growing year after year, there is much to do.
“As WellChild prepares to set its course with a new strategy for the coming years, I urge us all to support this essential organisation, so we can ensure that future generations of youth can grow to meet their full potential at home, rather than being stuck in hospital.”
Addressing the award winners, Harry added: “Your stories energise and encourage us to want to do more everywhere we go. So just keep being you … and thanks for having me.”
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