Prince Harry mistaken for a clown by little girl at gala


October 6, 2015

Prince Harry was quite the Prince Charming when he met the "bravest children" in Britain at a gala for seriously ill children and their families on Monday evening. The red-headed royal was all smiles as he entertained some of the little ones at the WellChild Awards – so much so that one little girl mistook the Prince for a clown.Nine-year-old Nellie-Mai Evans, who was the winner of the Inspirational Young Person Award in the 7-10 age group, made Harry laugh as she hit him with a balloon animal and asked, "Are you a clown? Can you make me a balloon animal please?"

harry3 © Photo: Getty Images
Prince Harry met poorly children at the WellChild Awards on Monday evening

"I will try to, but I can't make any promises," Harry joyfully replied.

The caring royal, who looked at ease as he knelt down on the floor to chat and play with the youngsters, was also given a present by Toby Sweeney-Croft. The nine-year-old gave him a basketball after hearing the Prince played the wheelchair version, too.

harry2 © Photo: Getty Images
The charismatic Prince showed his soft side with the little ones, kneeling down on the floor to talk to some of them

When Harry said he couldn't accept it, Toby insisted, "It cost me £7!", to which Harry replied: "You can’t tell me how much! Well, I would love to, on one condition. That when I am old and in my wheelchair we play and you thrash me. "Having met some of the award-winners and their families at a pre-dinner reception, Harry went on to make a heartfelt speech.

© Photo: Getty Images
Adorable nine-year-old Nellie-Mai Evans mistook Harry for a clown, asking: "Can you make me a balloon animal please?"

The Prince, who is a patron of the organisation, told the proud families: "I am humbled by the people and children I meet. You guys are awesome.""The stories we have heard tonight are moving beyond words," he continued. "They remind us of the utter insignificance of our everyday worries. Yet, one of the things that always stands out is the positivity shown by those in the most difficult and testing circumstances. "Harry concluded: "We literally have the bravest children in the U.K. in this room."

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