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Prince Harry has given an insight into his family life in California in a surprise video call with WellChild award winners – after he was forced to pull out of the prize ceremony to see the Queen on her deathbed
Speaking from his £11million Montecito mansion, the Duke told of his family’s ‘three emotional support dogs’ and revealed Archie, three, is ‘very busy’ while one-year-old Lilibet is ‘learning to use her voice’.
Harry and Meghan have three dogs, a black Labrador called Pula and rescue beagles Guy and Mia. Describing them, the duke said: ‘Between the three of them they charge around chasing squirrels and causing all sorts of problems for us every day. But they’re also emotional support dogs – 100%! When they’re behaving.’
At one point, the prince appeared visibly moved when told that his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, would have been so proud of him.
Harry initially spoke to Henry Waines, a four-year-old who was born with serious health problems. He won the Inspirational Child award in the four to six years category, and appeared alongside his parents, Ben and Shevonne.
Addressing Henry, the prince said: ‘That is a very, very cool award. You know I was supposed to be the one giving it to you and I was sadly not able to be there. I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet, Henry.’
‘That’s alright,’ the child responded.
Harry initially spoke to Henry Waines. a four-year-old who was born with serious health problems. He appeared alongside his parents, Ben and Shevonne
Appearing on a video call from his home in California , the Duke of Sussex chatted about family life with his wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet
After being told Henry had been named after him, the Duke replied: ‘My name is Henry. Well everyone calls me Harry. I have no idea why.’
He later told the boy: ‘You sound just like my son Archie… you have the same little squeaky voice. I love it.’
Ben and Shevonne later asked the royal how Archie and Lilibet were doing, to which he replied: ‘They’re doing great… Archie is very, very busy and Lili is learning to use her voice which is great.’
The prince added: ‘Could I just say again full respect to you guys as parents to go through this. I know, I don’t know, but having been part of this charity for a decade I know how hard it is, but you guys continue to smile.’
One of Harry’s calls was with 10-year-old Shakeerah Crowther, the only known survivor of a rare bacterial brain infection she picked up during treatment for a brain tumour.
Harry spotted the youngster’s giant giraffe balloon and asked her: ‘Shakeerah, how long have you had that giraffe for? Because Archie has a giraffe as well that has lasted a very long time and we call him Gerald.’
At one point, the girl told Harry in sign language that she was ‘sorry about your grandmother the Queen’.
‘That’s sweet,’ Harry replied.
Harry was visibly moved as Evelyn Rodger, a Diana Children’s Nurse with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, told him how her job had been funded ‘from your mum’s memorial fund.’
She added: ‘I think your mum would be very proud of what that money has achieved. And I also think as a mum she’d be very proud of you, Harry.’
‘That’s very sweet, thank you,’ Harry replied, clearly touched.
Addressing Henry, the prince said: ‘That is a very, very cool award. You know I was supposed to be the one giving it to you and I was sadly not able to be there. I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet, Henry’
Meghan in 2020 with activist Gloria Steinem (pictured) along with two of her dogs, black Labrador Pula, and rescue beagle Guy
Mia – another of the Sussexes’ rescue beagles – in a photo taken by the Beatle Freedom Project
The duke has been patron of WellChild since 2007, but was forced to pull out of its awards ceremony in London after Buckingham Palace released a statement regarding the Queen’s health.
Speaking to Isabelle Delaney, the 13-year-old winner of an Inspirational Young Person award, he admired her assistance dog, a Labradoodle called Hope.
Harry said: ‘We all need a dog that keeps us calm. I’ve got three in this house now, so we basically have five children. But I’ve got a black Labrador called Pula, a rescue beagle called Guy, and we got another rescue beagle called Mia.
‘And between the three of them, they charge around chasing squirrels and causing all sorts of problems to us every single day. But they are also emotional support dogs, 100%, when they’re behaving.’
Harry also spoke to seven-year-old Tony Hudgell, who became a household name after raising £1.7million for the hospital that treated the injuries he suffered after being abused as an infant.
Harry also spoke to seven-year-old Tony Hudgell, who became a household name after raising £1.7million for the hospital that treated the injuries he suffered after being abused as an infant
When eight-year-old Harry Byrne joined the call, the Duke told him: ‘You’ve got the coolest name in the house’
Harry told him: ‘I’m thanking you for your resilience, your determination, your bravery, your strength, your everything. You seem like a bit of a superhero. Where’s your cape?’
Tony replied: ‘I do have a cape in my room. I don’t wear it a lot.’
‘Only on weekends,’ laughed Harry.
Tony showed the Duke a copy of a book written about him called Go Tony Go, which he wants to send to him in California.
‘The good news is that my kids will be able to read your book,’ Harry said.
When eight-year-old Harry Byrne joined the call, the Duke told him: ‘You’ve got the coolest name in the house.’
Harry was visibly moved as Evelyn Rodger, a Diana Children’s Nurse with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, told him how her job had been funded ‘from your mum’s memorial fund’
The boy was praised for helping to look after his younger brother Reuben, who died last Christmas.
WellChild is dedicated to helping families with sick children, with the aim of allowing them to be treated at home rather than in hospital.
CEO Matt James said: ‘Our remarkable winners and their families were delighted to have this additional chance to celebrate their achievements, particularly as this year’s event ran under unique circumstances.
‘The Duke recognised the immense challenges faced by children and young people who face serious ill health with positivity, resilience, and courage and the dedication of those around them, from siblings, professionals and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help them through such challenging times.’
Who were the WellChild award winners? Inspirational children who were recognised for their achievements
Henry Waines: Inspirational Child 4-6 years
Henry was born with serious health problems affecting his ability to breathe, eat and speak.
He spent the first 15 months of his life in hospital, including nine months on a cardiac intensive care ward, and underwent countless lifesaving operations.
Despite coming home at last, Henry still faces an uncertain future with continuing hospital appointments and procedures to help with his respiratory and digestive systems.
Henry Waines spent the first 15 months of his life in hospital, including nine months on a cardiac intensive care ward, and underwent countless lifesaving operations
Brave Henry has now taken up swimming, taught himself Makaton sign language and remarkably regained his voice.
He has also helped raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital and at school he’s flourishing academically and socially.
Shakeerah: Inspirational Child 7-11 years
Shakeerah is the only known living survivor of a rare bacterial brain infection which she picked up when receiving treatment for a brain tumour, just after her first birthday.
After treatment, the 10-year-old was left profoundly deaf and visually impaired and has a feeding tube and tracheostomy.
With her ‘can-do’ attitude Shakeerah is a star at her mainstream school and always takes time to support the charities which helped with her rehabilitation.
She takes everything in her stride, touching the hearts of everyone she meets with her cheeky sense of humour.
One of Harry’s calls was with 10-year-old Shakeerah Crowther, the only known survivor of a rare bacterial brain infection she picked up during treatment for a brain tumour
Harry Byrne: Caring Child
Harry looked after his younger brother Reuben who had a very rare brain condition which limited his life span.
The eight-year-old helped his parents with everyday tasks to keep Reuben comfortable and happy, such as entertaining and playing with him in such a way that Reuben felt totally loved and included.
He also did a 45-mile walk to raise awareness of Reuben’s condition and raise funds for the hospices that looked after Reuben and supported the family.
Harry Byrne (left) took on a 45-mile hiking challenge to raise money for the hospice that looks after his seriously ill baby brother Reuben (right)
Tony Hudgell: Special Recognition
Tony became a household name after raising £1.7million for the hospital that treated the injuries he suffered after being abused as an infant.
Tony uses a wheelchair and last year started to learn to walk on crutches with his new prosthetic legs.
The nation got behind him with a challenge to walk every day of June on his new legs, and he walked 13.5km, raising over £1.7million for Evelina Children’s Hospital.
Tony Hudgell contracted sepsis, meaning his legs had to be amputated up to his knees and he now uses prosthetics to walk
Isabelle Delaney: Inspirational Young Person 12-14 years
Isabelle has a range of serious health conditions including autism, ADHD, hypermobility and Irlen Syndrome, as well as a trauma response to adults and significant anxiety.
The 13-year-old has had a difficult journey through school so far. She suffered bullying in school which had an enormous impact on her mental health.
However, she has worked really hard and displayed amazing perseverance and resilience to start to rebuild her mental health. In July 2021 Isabelle started at a new school and has done amazingly well.
Source: WellChild. Click here for more information and to support the charity.
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