Prince Harry has returned to London for the WellChild Awards, marking his seventh solo appearance in a week. The 40-year-old Duke of Sussex is set to present an award and deliver a speech at the annual event, which recognizes the courage of seriously ill children.
This brief UK visit is part of a whirlwind global tour focused on Harry's charitable interests. His packed schedule includes recent engagements in New York and an upcoming trip to southern Africa, all without the company of his wife, Meghan Markle.
During his time in New York, Harry participated in five high-profile speeches for various charities and made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Following his London engagement, he will travel to Lesotho, marking the 20th anniversary of his first visit to the country.
Harry's connection to Lesotho runs deep. He co-founded the charity Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso to support young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. At a recent UN General Assembly event, Harry spoke in both English and Sesotho, describing Lesotho as "a home away from home" and expressing gratitude for the country's support over the past two decades.
The Duke's charitable efforts extend beyond Sentebale. He has been patron of WellChild since 2007, consistently attending their annual awards ceremony. In his memoir "Spare," Harry described the event as "always gutting," highlighting the bravery of the children and the complex emotions of their parents.
Harry's visit to the UK comes with notable security considerations. He is required to provide 30 days' notice for UK travel, and each visit is assessed individually. The Duke has opted not to stay at royal residences, citing security concerns. His appeal against a High Court ruling regarding state-funded security is scheduled for April 2025.
Despite being in London, Harry is not expected to meet with his father, King Charles, who is currently in Scotland, or his brother, Prince William. The last known meeting between Harry and the King occurred in February 2024, shortly after the monarch's cancer diagnosis was revealed.
"Gratitude and sympathy converged"
Harry's global charitable tour showcases his commitment to various causes, including mental health initiatives, sustainable tourism, and environmental conservation. As a qualified Apache helicopter pilot and veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, he has also been a strong advocate for wounded service personnel, founding the Invictus Games in 2014.
As Harry continues his philanthropic journey, his efforts reflect a dedication to causes close to his heart, from supporting seriously ill children to promoting mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.