Prince Harry was compelled to miss the award ceremony in order to see the Queen at Balmoral, where she is dying, so he made a surprise video call to the WellChild award recipients in their place.
The Duke of Sussex spoke with his wife Meghan and their kids Archie and Lilibet via video call while he was at home in California. When informed that his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, would have been so proud of him, he briefly showed signs of emotion.
Harry first addressed Henry Waines. a four-year-old with severe health issues who was born. With his parents Ben and Shevonne, he received the Inspirational Child award for children aged four to six.
The prince responded to Henry, “That is a very, very nice prize. You are aware that I was meant to present it to you, but regrettably I was unable to do so. Henry, I’m sorry we weren’t able to meet.
The youngster said, “Don’t be alarmed.”
The Duke gushed when he first heard Henry’s voice, saying, “You sound just like my son Archie…
You speak in the same little, squeaky tone. I adore it.
The king was afterwards questioned by Ben and Shevonne about Archie and Lilibet, to which he said, “They’re doing fantastic… Lili is beginning to utilize her voice, which is fantastic, and Archie is really, extremely busy.
The prince said, “Can I just say again, complete admiration to you guys for going through this as parents?” Having worked for this organization for ten years, I am aware of how difficult it is, yet you guys keep smiling.
Harry saw 10-year-old Shakeerah Crowther’s enormous giraffe balloon when they were on the phone.
Shakeerah, how long have you had that giraffe? the prince enquired. We name him Gerald, and Archie also has a giraffe that has lived a very long life.
Since 2007, the duke has supported WellChild, but he was compelled to skip its awards presentation in London when Buckingham Palace issued a statement about the Queen’s health.