Prince Harry makes heartfelt plea to public from Montecito mansion ahead of WellChild Awards
Duke of Sussex urges public to nominate inspirational children and young people with complex medical needs
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Your support makes all the difference.Prince Harry has called on the public to nominate inspirational children and young people with complex medical needs for this year’s WellChild Awards in a heartfelt plea made from his Montecito mansion.
The Duke of Sussex’s video message recorded at his California home marked the first time he has spoken publicly since his state was ravaged by wildfires – and since he secured a full apology and substantial damages from the publisher of The Sun after settling his claim over allegations of unlawful information-gathering.
The royal, who has been patron of the WellChild charity for more than 15 years, encouraged the public to “shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage” and “nominate the exceptional people who inspire you”.
The WellChild awards annual ceremony celebrates the inspiring qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people as well as those who support and care for them.
At last year’s event at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, Harry, 40, hailed a group of “little legends” for “uplifting all those around you”, with famous faces such as Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster watching.
In a video message released on the charity’s website on Tuesday morning, the 40-year-old said: “The WellChild Awards recognise and celebrate the growing number of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom, as well as those who go the extra mile to care for them. They allow us to shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage that they demonstrate every single day.
“And this year is especially significant as we celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards.
“It is a true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community.
“And to make this happen, we need your help to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you every single day. Your support can make all the difference. Please join us in recognising the amazing individuals who will be honoured at the 2025 WellChild Awards.”
WellChild said there are more children and young people in the UK living in the UK with serious health needs than ever before, previously describing the awards as “a unique opportunity to shine a light on the immense challenges they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit”.
The charity’s chief executive, Matt James, said: “This year marks the 20th WellChild Awards, in association with (pharmaceutical giant) GSK, a milestone that highlights more than two decades of celebrating the extraordinary resilience of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs.
“As the number of those facing such challenges continues to grow, the 2025 WellChild Awards provide a unique platform to raise awareness of the immense challenges they face and honour their remarkable spirit.
“They also shine a spotlight on the unwavering dedication of those who support them – from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who go above and beyond to help these remarkable children and young people to thrive.”
The categories for nominations are: Inspirational Child or Young Person, Inspirational Sibling, Nurse, Outstanding Professional and Inspirational Parent Carer.
Nominations can be entered online at www.wellchild.org.uk/awards until March 9 and entries will be judged by an expert panel including former winners and child health professionals.
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