The Duke of Sussex has hailed the winners of this year’s WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, telling them: “Congratulations you little legends!”
Prince Harry, 40, who had jetted in from California a day ahead of the annual ceremony, also praised the parents accompanying the brave youngsters, saying: "As a parent, I know a little about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting!
"But, when I hear about the care many of you mums, dads, and family members provide; the level of round-the-clock care you offer; the skills you've had to learn; and the battles for support that you fight every single day - I am truly in awe.
"You are all incredible, and your love and dedication are nothing short of heroic."
In a passionate and moving speech to winners and guests at the star-studded event in the ballroom of the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London, Prince Harry told the children and young people being recognised: "I salute you. We salute you. Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness, and of course your humour. And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.”
WellChild will mark its 20th anniversary next year and Harry has been patron for 16.
He told guests: “The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me. The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays, and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us, it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity. So keep being you. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you."
Someone in the crowd then shouted: "We've got you too."
Harry said he was “immensely proud” to be the charity’s patron, saying it has supported over 7,000 children and young people with complex medical needs and prevented more than 12,000 hospital readmissions.
"This is life changing work right here,” he added.
Hosted by TV presenter Gaby Roslin, there were performances from singers Beverley Knight and Pixie Lott and famous faces attending included Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Lady Penny, Julia Bradbury, Oti Mabuse and rapper KSI.
Olympians Helen Glover, Tom Dean, and Becky Downie, the explorer Levison Wood and broadcasters Kate Garraway, Andrea McLean, Charlotte Hawkins and Myleene Klass were also among the diners.
HELLO! was there to witness all of the heartwarming moments and ahead of the ceremony, Harry, was reunited with Noah Nicholson, six, and his mum Tracy, five years after their first meeting at Sheffield Children's Hospital.
The youngster was on lively form, grabbing Harry by the beard and throwing soft toys at him. Admiring a photograph from their first meeting in 2019, Harry spotted that Noah was carrying "Raffy", the same giraffe toy attached to a soft blanket.
"Is this the same one? No way!” he said. "Every parent has a spare. I've got at least six spare."
He added: "My daughter Lili has these Lovies."
As they continued to lark around, he told Tracy, “Good luck!”
Tracy, from Grimsby, Lincs, said: "I'm so proud of Noah. Beyond proud. It means so much. He lives in constant pain, all day, every day. But after everything he's been through, he lights up every room he goes into."
Born prematurely at 27 weeks, weighing just two pounds, Noah has had 28 surgeries, including 14 life-saving procedures.
He has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, short bowel disease and other serious health issues that require constant medical care and cause him pain.
Noah was recognised for "his courage, resilience and unwavering spirit," that has seen him fundraise to support the charities and hospitals that help him and donate gifts for other children in hospital.
See all of the best photos and moments from the night...
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© GettyPrince Harry arrives
The Duke of Sussex was all smiles as he arrived at the ceremony wearing a dark suit and a blue tie.
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© GettySolo appearance
While his wife Meghan has joined Harry at the awards in the past, the Duke made a solo appearance at the bash this year.
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© GettyHarry posed with dignitaries at the Royal Lancaster Hotel before the ceremony.
WellChild chief executive Matt James said Harry's involvement with the charity was "huge for us".
He added: "It does two things, it allows us to give our inspiring winners a night they will never forget, a night that will always stay with them.
"But also, it provides us with a platform to tell their stories which is really important for a group of families whose challenges often go unrecognised and misunderstood."
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© GettyPre-reception
Before the awards, Harry met with each winner and their families at a reception.
GUESTS
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© GettyKate Garraway
Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway was among the celebrity guests on the night.
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© GettyHelen Glover
Rower Helen Glover shared on Instagram ahead of the ceremony: "Getting ready for a very special night at @wellchild awards."
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© GettyOti Mabuse
TV presenter and dancer Oti Mabuse was a vision in a white halter-neck dress.
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© GettyMyleene Klass
Radio presenter Myleene Klass glittered in a gold sequined dress with puff sleeves.
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© GettyRosie Nixon
HELLO!'s Editor at Large Rosie Nixon, who is an ambassador for WellChild, was joined by GMB's Charlotte Hawkins.
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© GettySir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster
Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster were joined by their son, Alastair.
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© Chris JacksonKSI
KSI was among the stars to honour the young winners on the night.
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© Yui Mok - PA ImagesBeverley Knight
Beverley Knight performed at the ceremony, as well as Pixie Lott.
