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Prince Harry appeared in a newly released video today, just hours after his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Filming from what appeared to be his home in Montecito, California, the Duke of Sussex launched a nationwide appeal urging the British public to nominate the country’s most courageous unsung heroes as the search begins for recipients of the 2026 WellChild Awards.
In his message, Harry — who has served as patron of the charity supporting seriously ill children for 18 years — described the annual ceremony as a magical occasion that honours young people living with complex medical conditions while demonstrating extraordinary joy.
He said: Every year, one of the moments I look forward to the most is spending time with the incredible children and families that I meet through the WellChild Awards.
He continued by praising the strength and spirit of the young people recognised by the awards.
As he said: These children and young people are living with complex medical needs, challenges that most of us can barely imagine. And yet time and again they meet life with positivity, courage, humour and an extraordinary joy for living.
He further highlighted the remarkable resilience shown by the young nominees, emphasising the powerful example they set for others.
As he said: In their smiles, their determination and their kindness, they show us what strength truly looks like.
The annual WellChild Awards aim to celebrate the courage of children facing serious medical conditions, while also recognising the unwavering commitment of parents, siblings and healthcare professionals who support them.
With more than 100,000 children in the UK living with long-term and complex illnesses, the charity is encouraging communities nationwide to nominate these superstars so they can receive the recognition they so often deserve.
He went on to commend the significance of the event, describing it as a meaningful occasion dedicated to recognising extraordinary resilience and selflessness.
As he said: The WellChild Awards is a truly special evening. It’s about celebrating these remarkable young people. It’s about recognising the siblings who so often put their own needs aside to care for a brother or sister. And of course it’s about honouring the parents, the carers, the nurses and professionals who give so much of themselves every single day with dedication, love and compassion.
He then made a direct appeal to the public, stressing that the success of the event depends on community involvement.
As he said: But these awards can only happen with your help.
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He urged members of the public to put forward nominations for those who quietly show extraordinary strength and dedication.
As he said: So, if you know a child who’s learned hospital routines before playground games, a sibling who quietly became a carer or a parent or professional whose life revolves around constant selfless care, please nominate them for a WellChild Award.
He added that nominees could be anyone making a difference — whether someone personally known or a familiar face within the wider community.
In his words: They might be a friend in a different part of the United Kingdom, or a stranger you see in your community every single week. We want to hear about them.
He continued by emphasising that submitting a nomination is about more than recognition — it is about sharing powerful stories of courage and compassion taking place every day across the country.
As he said: By nominating, you’re not just recognising an achievement, you’re telling a story. You’re shining a light on extraordinary bravery, on resilience and kindness that’s happening in communities across the United Kingdom every day – often unseen and too often uncelebrated. So thank you.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to supporters of the charity and encouraging people to take part in the nomination process.
In his words: Thank you for supporting WellChild, and please get nominating. We very much hope to see some of you at the 2026 WellChild awards.
Nominations are now open across multiple categories, including Inspirational Child or Young Person, Inspirational Parent or Carer, and Inspirational Health Professional.
The awards conclude with a high-profile ceremony in London, regularly attended by celebrity supporters of the charity, including Rod Stewart, Molly-Mae Hague, Jamie Laing, Ronnie Wood and Gaby Roslin.
The deadline for submissions is March 16, 2026. Those wishing to nominate a child, young person or professional can do so by visiting the official WellChild website, www.wellchild.org.uk/awards.
