WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, to Attend 2026 WellChild Awards ceremony

WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex will attend the 2026 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK. Taking place in London on September 21^st, this sparkling ceremony celebrates the inspirational achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.

Now in it’s 21^st year, these Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children. They shine a light on the remarkable resilience and heroic qualities of children and young people living with complex medical needs and honour the dedication of those around them who go the extra mile to help these children thrive. This year’s event is also set to mark the 20^th anniversary of the charity’s flagship WellChild Nurse programme.

Prince Harry has been Patron of WellChild for 18 years, providing invaluable help to support the charity’s mission of improving quality of life for seriously ill children. Over the years he has played an important role in assisting WellChild to raise both awareness and vital funds, including personal commitments himself, to help families get the care they need.

He has attended the WellChild Awards on fifteen previous occasions and will spend time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception, listening to their stories and helping create lifelong memories.

Prince Harry will then take part in the ceremony, presenting the Award for Inspirational Child (aged 4-6) and delivering a speech.

WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex said: 

“It is always a privilege to be part of the WellChild Awards and to meet the extraordinary children, young people, families and professionals whose courage and determination inspire us all. This year feels particularly special as we celebrate 20 years of the WellChild Nurse programme; two decades of supporting thousands of children and families and helping them to live more of their lives at home. These Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that impact, but above all to celebrate the incredible people at the heart of it. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, connection and community.”

Last year’s WellChild Awards brought together children, young people, healthcare and other professionals who work with seriously ill children at a star-studded Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.  Celebrity guests and WellChild supporters included Molly-Mae Hague, Ronnie Wood, Jamie Laing and Peter Andre with the cast of Hercules the musical and Joss Stone providing entertainment. The evening was hosted by WellChild ambassador Gaby Roslin.

WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James commented:  

“We are delighted to welcome our Patron, Prince Harry, to the 2026 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, as we celebrate the extraordinary children, young people and families at the heart of WellChild’s work. This year is particularly special as we mark 20 years of the WellChild Nurse programme and the thousands of families it has supported, helping families on the journey from hospital, to home, to living well. Along with our Patron, we are thrilled to shine a bright, national spotlight upon every winner and the network of remarkable people behind them whose dedication makes it possible for young people with complex medical needs to live well at home and beyond.”