Prince Harry attends WellChild awards in London after paying tribute to the late Queen: Live updates 

By GINA KALSI, FEMAIL REPORTER and RUTH STAINER, TRAINEE REPORTER

Updated: 14:38 EDT, 8 September 2025

Prince Harry has arrived at the WellChild awards in London after paying tribute to the late Queen earlier today.

The Duke of Sussex is attending the charity’s awards ceremony, held at the Lancaster Hotel, as its patron, having held the position for 17 years. 

Harry arrived in the UK earlier today and made an emotional visit to Windsor Castle to visit the grave of his late grandmother – Queen Elizabeth II – just moments after he touched down in Britain for a four-day trip.

The Duke of Sussex headed to St George’s Chapel to pay his respects on the third anniversary of the late monarch’s death, while brother William and Kate attended their own engagement just eight miles away in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

He was picked up at Heathrow by a serving Metropolitan Police officer from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Squad, suggesting he is receiving bespoke police protection in the UK.

It is not known whether Harry, who is estranged from his brother, the Prince of Wales, and has a troubled relationship with his father, the King, will meet with senior members of the Royal Family during his stay.

King Charles, who is currently at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, and the Queen have no public engagements planned for this week.

Harry and Charles last met face to face in February last year when the duke made a transatlantic dash to see after hearing of his cancer diagnosis.

Follow the Daily Mail’s live updates below 

Prince Harry speaks about ‘challenging’ relationships between siblings while meeting award winner

The Duke of Sussex discussed ‘challenging’ relationships between sibling while speaking to 17-year-old Declan Bitmead, winner of the inspirational young persons 15-18 award.

When Declan revealed to Harry that he had a younger brother, Harry responded: ‘Does he drive you mad?’, to which he said: ‘No, we get on fine’.

Harry then remarked: ‘You know what – siblings. You’re at the same school, that sometimes makes it more challenging’, according to The Independent.

It comes after Harry and William paid separate tributes to the late Queen just seven miles apart today.

As Harry solemnly paid a private tribute to the late Queen, the Waleses were entertained at the local branch of the Women’s Institute (WI), where William said he ‘can’t quite believe it has been three years already’ since his grandmother’s death.

Harry’s four-day visit to the UK marks the first time he has returned in five months. Meghan has stayed behind in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet.

WATCH: Moment Prince Harry arrived at the WellChild awardsRECAP: Prince William shares heartwarming tales of home life while Harry is just miles away

Prince William today shared a sweet insight into Prince Louis’s cheeky antics at home – as his estranged brother Prince Harry visited the late Queen Elizabeth II’s grave just seven miles away.

The Prince of Wales, 43, made the lighthearted comments during an engagement to mark the third anniversary of his late grandmother’s death, which Catherine also attended in a last-minute decision to stand by her husband’s side.

Their visit to Sunningdale, Berkshire, came as Prince Harry laid a wreath and flowers at the late Queen’s grave in St George’s Chapel, at Windsor Castle, which means the royal brothers were just a 16-minute drive away.

As Harry solemnly paid a private tribute to the late Queen, the Waleses were entertained at the local branch of the Women’s Institute (WI), where William said he ‘can’t quite believe it has been three years already’ since his grandmother’s death.

During their visit, William was also asked if Prince Louis, seven, is ‘a handful’. Smiling and suppressing his laughter, William replied: ‘To be honest, he’s a character, but he’s a very good boy.’

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood leads the star-studded line-up at tonight’s awards

Reporting by Kamal Sultan

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has led the star-studded line-up at the annual WellChild awards.

The rock star, 78, was seen dressed in a maroon suit and accompanied by his wife Sally Humphreys, 48, who wore a yellow floral dress.

He is set to be joined at the event by a host of celebrities including Girls Aloud singer Kimberly Walsh, 43, Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague, 26, and talent show judge Oti Mabuse, 35.

What are the WellChild Awards?

The WellChild Awards are held annually by the charity WellChild and in association with GSK.

They are described as a ‘flagship national event celebrating extraordinary children and young people from across the UK who have shown exceptional courage in the face of serious illness’.

Tonight’s awards are the 20th anniversary of the ceremony, with the Duke of Sussex serving as the patron of the charity since 2008. He has attended the awards ceremony 14 times before.

Prince Harry has balloon sword fight and shakes pinky fingers with adorable award recipientsWhat happened when Prince Harry arrived at the Lancaster Hotel?

Reporting by Kamal Sultan

Prince Harry arrived at the luxury hotel a few minutes late at 4.13pm in a dark blue Range Rover.

He did not appear to have a security detail with him.

The Duke of Sussex opened the door to the car himself before he was helped out by his driver.

He smiled at the press pack outside the hotel before shaking hands with WellChild CEO Matt James at the entrance of the Royal Lancaster Hotel before strolling in.

Prince Harry then shook hands with WellChild trustee Nick Fisher, Sally Jackson (blue dress) from the GSK which sponsors the charity event and the Royal Lancaster manager Sally Beck (purple dress).

They enjoyed a brief conversation before posing for photos together on the purple carpet.

Prince Harry made his way inside just two minutes after arriving and he was followed by the officials.

Pictured: Prince Harry is all smiles as he arrives at the WellChild awardsWilliam says Prince Louis ‘likes to wind his brother and sister up’

Caption: Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte are pictured during Trooping the Colour last year

Prince William has described his youngest son, Prince Louis, as a ‘character’ who likes to ‘wind his brother and sister up’.

The Prince of Wales made the lighthearted comments during an engagement to mark the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, which he attended with Kate this morning.

While enjoying coffee and cake at the Sunningdale branch of the Women’s Institute (WI), William was asked if Prince Louis, seven, is ‘a handful’.

Smiling and suppressing his laughter, William replied: ‘To be honest, he’s a character, but he’s a very good boy.’

He added that his youngest son, who is known for his cheeky displays at public events, likes to ‘wind his brother and sister up.’

Prince Harry is pictured arriving at the WellChild awards in London

Caption: Prince Harry is seen dressed up in a suit and tie for the WellChild Awards

Prince Harry was pictured dressed smartly in a suit and tie as he stepped out in central London this afternoon.

Teams of police officers were waiting on both sides of the street outside the Royal Lancaster hotel ahead of Prince Harry’s arrival for the WellChild awards.

Prince Harry arrived at the five-star hotel in a Range Rover a few minutes late with no apparent security detail

A large press pack formed near the entrance to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Sussex as he made his way inside the venue.

The Duke of Sussex appeared in high spirits and put on an animated display ahead of the awards as he posed for pictures.

As reported by Kamal Sultan

Will Prince William see his brother this week?

Caption: Prince Harry and Prince William are pictured while unveiling a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, in 2021

Prince William has taken a much firmer line on rekindling relations with his brother, and has official engagements elsewhere on every day of Harry’s visit.

The Prince of Wales is today attending a commemorative event for Queen Elizabeth II’s death anniversary in Sunningdale.

He and the Princess of Wales attended the event, which is just 7.4 miles from Windsor Castle, meaning William and Harry were just a 16 minute drive from one another today.

Prince William and Catherine today visited a local WI branch in Sunningdale, to which the late Queen had a strong connection to.

Queen Elizabeth, who died at Balmoral Castle on September 8 2022, was a member of the WI for 80 years, joining in 1943 and serving as President of the Sandringham branch from 2003 until her death. She often attended a meeting in early January while staying in Norfolk for Christmas.

Originally, only William had planned to attend the event to mark his ‘Granny’s’ passing, but sources said Catherine was keen to join her husband to commemorate and celebrate the beloved monarch.

Harry visited the late Queen’s grave to mark the third anniversary of her death, just a 16-minute drive away from where William and Kate were this morning.

Prince Harry meeting with King Charles is ‘not off the cards’

Caption: King Charles and Prince Harry are pictured following Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022

Currently, there is no specified window for a meeting with Charles.

However, The Mail on Sunday reported that should an invitation to meet be extended, Harry would drop everything to attend.

A source said: ‘A meeting with Charles is not off the table but the only people who would know about it are Clive Alderton [the King’s private secretary] and Charles and Harry.

‘If anything is planned, then he is keeping this extremely close to his chest. It certainly is part of his intention to see his father.

‘If it’s on Wednesday, then he would make it work.’

The King – who is currently in Scotland – does have a number of private audiences and meetings this week that could, potentially, bring him back to the capital.

Will King Charles meet Prince Harry this week?

Caption: Prince Harry and King Charles are pictured in Windsor in 2021 for the funeral of Prince Philip

As Prince Harry has made his way across the pond to attend the WellChild Awards, royal fans have wondered whether he will reconcile with his father.

Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether the King, who is currently at his Scottish residence in Birkhall, will meet his estranged son for the first time in 19 months.

But recently, there have been signs that the fractured relationship is easing and that a reconciliation could be within reach.

The father and son last met in February 2024, when Harry flew to the UK after it was announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer.

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly staying in the UK for around four days. However, some royal experts have speculated that he may extend his visit to attend the Duchess of Kent’s funeral. His attendance has currently not been confirmed .

On Sunday, King Charles and Queen Camilla had a packed schedule as they were joined by the Prime Minister and other high-profile guests for the traditional service at Crathie Kirk.

Today, King Charles is privately remembering his mother, the late Queen, in Scotland, where she passed away three years ago.

According to the Royal Family’s official website, the King is not expected to partake in any royal visits this week while Harry is in town.

His next official event will be on September 17, when he welcomes President Trump and the First Lady of the United States to Windsor Castle. The couple will stay for two days.

Prince William shares joke with WI members about Queen’s passion for horses

Caption: Prince William and Kate with WI members in Sunningdale

Prince William joked about his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for horses with members of her Women’s Institute (WI) as he marked the third anniversary of her death.

Asking for memories of the late Queen, they chatted to him about his grandmother’s passion for horses and horse breeding.

The prince said with a smile: ‘I think she would have liked a few more winners.’

He then told members his grandmother had ‘an old iPad’ she would use to watch her foals being born via a remote camera, adding ‘a lot of foals were born at Sandringham’.

William told some of the guests: ‘It’s three years since my grandmother died, she was a big part of the WI, she used to talk about it a lot. This is the first time I’ve been, and experienced the WI, so this is a huge honour for me.’

Royal Family share sweet photo of late Queen Elizabeth on third anniversary of her death

The Royal Family paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Monday – the third anniversary of her death.

An image of the monarch shared on the Royal Family’s official social medic account was accompanied by a short but poignant caption.

It read: ‘Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022.’

The sweet photo of the late monarch showed her smiling as she sported a royal blue ensemble.

The late monarch died aged 96 at Balmoral in Scotland, after a life as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

Exclusive:Prince Harry gave Queen Elizabeth II a secret mobile phone

Prince Harry gave Queen Elizabeth II a secret mobile phone so he could reach her whenever he pleased, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell.

As revealed in extracts from Burrell’s new memoir, exclusively serialised in the Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex sent his grandmother the device that would allow him to bypass her courtiers – and even his own family – whenever he wished to get in touch.

Writing that Harry ‘didn’t always adhere to protocol’, Burrell – who became a close confidante of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales – said this extended to keeping in touch even after ‘Megxit’.

Harry wed Meghan Markle in May 2018. Less than two years later, in January 2020, the pair announced their intention to step back from Royal duties.

By the summer, they had relocated to the US – and in September announced a Netflix deal that continues to this day, albeit in depreciated form.

Watch: Royal expert says chances of Prince Harry and Prince William reconciling are ‘very slim’

The chances of Prince Harry and Prince William reconciling are ‘very slim’, according to a royal expert.

Richard Palmer spoke on GB News this morning and said that he believes there is a ‘bigger chance’ of Harry and King Charles making up.

‘Everyone is playing their cards close to their chest, not saying whether there is going to be a meeting with the King and Prince Harry while he’s back,’ he said.

Palmer said Harry is expected to be back for four days, but said that he could be staying for the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, however, this has not been confirmed.

William and Kate are snapped chatting with the Woman’s Institute as they tuck into tea and cake

The Prince and Princess of Wales were pictured chatting with the Woman’s Institute today as they enjoyed a tea and cake.

Kate accompanied her husband on a sweet and moving visit to Sunningdale, Berkshire this morning.

Originally, only William had planned to attend the event to mark his ‘Granny’s’ passing, but sources said Catherine was keen to join her husband to commemorate and celebrate the beloved monarch.

Catherine wore a black, grey and white tartan dress from Alessandra Rich – teamed with tonal heels – and warmly greeted members as her husband, dressed in a smart suit and tie, joked with the ladies about the amount of cake waiting for them.

The couple also chatted with support staff and trustees from across the Berkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes (BFWI) to hear about their work and the different opportunities it gives women.

William and Kate were just a 16-minute drive away from Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry honoured his grandmother by visiting her grave.

Harry was just a 16-minute drive away from William and Kate as he pays tribute to late Queen

Caption: The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are snapped meeting members of the public at Windsor Castle a couple of days after the Queen’s death in 2022

Prince Harry was just 16 minutes away from William and Kate as he visited the late Queen’s grave in Windsor.

The Duke of Sussex paid tribute to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, by visiting her grave at St George’s Chapel, at Windsor Castle, on the third anniversary of her death after touching down at Heathrow Airport this morning.

Just 7.9 miles away, a 16-minute drive, Kate and William were also mourning the late monarch as they visited the Women’s Institute (WI) branch in Sunningdale.

The Late Queen was a WI member for 80 years. Originally, only William had planned to attend the event to mark his grandmother’s passing, but sources said Catherine was keen to join her husband to commemorate and celebrate the life of the late Queen.

First picture of Prince Harry in the UK as he visits late Queen’s grave in Windsor

Caption: Harry is pictured in a car as he touched down in the UK today

Prince Harry has visited the late Queen’s grave in Windsor on the third anniversary of her death today, as he is pictured for the first time in the UK in five months.

The Duke of Sussex returned to Britain amid speculation over whether he will stage a reunion with King Charles.

He touched down at Heathrow Airport this morning after an 11-hour flight from Montecito.

Harry’s trip to the UK, which includes four days of official engagements, will be his longest since he and Meghan visited in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II died.

It is understood he visited his late grandmother’s grave at St George’s Chapel, at Windsor Castle, moments after touching down as he marks the third anniversary of her death.

The Princess of Wales unexpectedly joins Prince William on royal engagement

The Princess of Wales unexpectedly joined her husband, Prince William, on a royal engagment this morning, as Prince Harry landed in the UK.

The couple visited the Women’s Institute (WI) branch in Sunningdale, close to Windsor Castle.

The Late Queen was a WI member for 80 years, with Kate and William visiting the branch on the third anniversary of her death.

Originally only William had planned to attend the event to mark his grandmother’s passing, but sources said Catherine was keen to join her husband to commemorate and celebrate the life of the late Queen.

Kate was heard saying that it was a ‘lovely day’ as she thanked WI staff for hosting her and William.

The Duke of Sussex has touched down at Heathrow Airport

Prince Harry has landed at Heathrow airport this morning after making an 11-hour journey across the pond.

The Duke of Sussex’s security were seen leaving the airport, located in Hounslow near west London, just before midday on the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death.

The father-of-two will attend the annual WellChild Awards this evening.

The fifth in the line to throne will be present at the ceremony for the 15th time at an undisclosed venue as he continues his role as the charity’s patron, a position he has held for 17 years.

The Duke will spend time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception, then present an award to an inspirational child aged four to six.

Prince Archie’s £2,000 British-themed soccer camp

Caption: Prince Archie is pictured with his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in South Africa in 2019

Prince Archie is attending a £2,000-British-themed ‘soccer camp’ located over an hour away from the Sussexes’ Montecito mansion.

It emerged that the six-year-old adores football after he was spotted wearing a red sports jersey in photos posted online by his mother, Meghan Markle.

In snaps, Archie can be seen wearing a jersey with the logo of ‘GB Soccer School’ – a football training facility located in Studio City, California, that is roughly 70 miles away from Harry and Meghan’s sprawling Montecito estate.

The soccer camp later seemingly confirmed that Archie was one of its students by reposting Meghan’s Instagram post on their own Stories with emojis of a smiling face and football.

According to its website, the organisation offers group classes for children between the ages of two and 10, and private coaching, as well as running summer soccer camps.

It is mandatory for parents to remain with their children for the entire duration of the class, as the website highlights it doesn’t run any ‘drop off’ programs – meaning Archie is likely always accompanied by either the Duke or Duchess of Sussex.

A 45-minute session is priced at £238 ($320) while a longer, one-hour class will set parents back by nearly £270 ($360).

Considering each cycle runs for the duration of eight consecutive weeks, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are likely forking over between £1,900 ($2,560) and £2,148 ($2,880) to the soccer school.

Details of the last time the Duke of Sussex was in the UK

Caption: Prince Harry is pictured leaving the High Court in April

Prince Harry was last on UK soil in April for a court hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice.

He was pictured on April 8, before losing his appeal against a High Court ruling preventing him from getting automatic taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK.

The royal was told that his ‘grievance’ over downgraded security had not ‘translated into a legal argument’ to successfully challenge the decision.

However, Harry believed he had been ‘singled out’ and ‘badly treated’ for ‘unjustified, inferior treatment’ since moving to America five years ago.

His barrister argued that the removal of Met Police armed bodyguards when he is in the UK has left the royal’s life ‘at stake’.

His wife, Meghan Markle, did not attend the court case.

Will Prince Harry be attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral?

Caption: A young Prince Harry is pictured with Princess Diana and the Duke and Duchess of Kent on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 1990

As Prince Harry will be in Britain this week following the death of the Duchess of Kent, many may be wondering whether he will attend her funeral.

Katharine died aged 92 at Kensington Palace on Thursday evening, surrounded by her family and is expected to have a Catholic funeral this week.

Details of royal attendance will be released in the coming days but it is expected that most, if not all, members of the family would attend – including non-working royals. This is likely to include Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

Harry wants to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK – reports

In May, Harry said that he although he misses the UK he could not envision returning with his family following a failed challenge over his security arrangements in the British courts.

But according to the Times, a friend of the Duke has since said he wants to bring his family back to his homeland to show his children Archie and Lilibet ‘where he grew up’.

‘He’s not given up hope on bringing his family back to the UK,’ they told The Times.

‘He wants to be able to show his children where he grew up. He wants them to know their family here. He really would like to come back to the UK much more.’

The engagements that brought Prince Harry back to the UK

Harry will be in the capital today – the third anniversary of the late Queen’s death – for the annual WellChild Awards, a cause close to his heart as the charity’s long-standing patron.

The duke will travel to Nottingham to visit the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in the city’s St Ann’s area.

He last visited with Meghan to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2019 just two months before he and the Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping down as senior working royals and moving to North America.

Prince Harry in ‘good headspace’ ahead of UK visit

Prince Harry is feeling ‘so excited’ and ‘really positive’ about his upcoming trip to the UK, a source claimed ahead of his visit.

Harry moved to the US five years ago with his wife Meghan Markle after stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.

Since, his visits back to his homeland have been rare, and he was last in the UK in April for his High Court hearing into changes to his security arrangements.

Despite losing his appeal for taxpayer-funded security in May, the Duke is now said to be in a ‘really good headspace’ and is feeling ‘really positive’ about his upcoming visit.

A source told Hello Magazine:

He’s so excited to come back to the UK. He’s in a really good headspace. He’s really looking forward to seeing everyone from his patronages face to face and focusing on the causes. He’s really positive about coming back to do all the stuff that he loves doing.When Harry last met Charles

Charles and Harry pictured together in 2018

Harry and Charles last met face to face in February last year.

The Duke made a transatlantic dash to see his father after hearing of his cancer diagnosis, but they spent just over 30 minutes together before the King left to recuperate in Sandringham.

Charles is currently at Birkhall, his Scottish residence, and will remain there until at least tomorrow, privately marking his mother’s death and his accession to the throne on Monday.

The King does have a number of private audiences and meetings this week that could, potentially, bring him back to the capital.

Currently, there is no specified window for a meeting with Charles. However, The Mail on Sunday reported last night that should an invitation to meet be extended, Harry would drop everything to attend.

A meeting with Charles is not off the table but the only people who would know about it are Clive Alderton [the King’s private secretary] and Charles and Harry.If anything is planned, then he is keeping this extremely close to his chest. It certainly is part of his intention to see his father. If it’s on Wednesday, then he would make it work.

The Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English writes Harry’s longest trip to the UK since he visited with Meghan when his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II died comes amid claims he would like to ‘reset’ his tattered relationship with his family.

But Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether King Charles will meet his estranged son.

It demonstrates the level of sensitivity around the feud between Harry and the Royal Family – exacerbated by his pursuit of His Majesty’s Government through the courts over the withdrawal of his full-time security.

Read the full report from Rebecca English here:

Prince Harry returns to Britain this week

Good morning and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage of Prince Harry’s return to Britain.

The Duke of Sussex arrives back in the UK to carry out a series of engagements including an appearance at the WellChild Awards tonight in London.

He left his home in California without wife Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, for the visit – his first in five months.

It is not known whether the Duke will meet his father King Charles, who is in Balmoral this week with no public engagements planned.

Harry and Charles last met face to face in February last year when the duke made a transatlantic dash to see after hearing of his cancer diagnosis.

Stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest developments on Harry’s return.

Share or comment on this article:
Prince Harry attends WellChild awards in London after paying tribute to the late Queen: Live updates