Prince Harry Makes Splashy Return to London and He’s All Smiles

The prince is back across the pond

Prince Harry.
Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

With two young kids at home (Prince Archie, 4, andPrincess Lilibet, 2), you would think thatPrince Harry, 38, would be burned out from hanging around children. However, based on hisrecent trip to the U.K., it's clear that when the Duke of Sussex is surrounded by young ones, he's in his happy place.

Thefifth member in line to the British thronemade a surprise visit to his home city of London this Thursday, September 7, for theWellChild Awards—a ceremony that, according to the foundation’s site, “celebrate[s] the inspirational qualities of the U.K.’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.”

A photo from the event waspostedto the official WellChild Instagram account, with a caption that read: “All our children and young people winners joined WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex on stage for a photo after they collected their awards.”

For the event, the duke gave a speech, where he referenced his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Last year, the royal had to miss the event due to his grandmother’s passing, and he noted this in his speech, as reported byTheDaily Mail. “As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year as my grandmother passed away,” he said. “As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist that I still come to be with you all instead of going to her. And that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy we’re together continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”

Prince Harry at WellChild Awards.
Yui Mok/PA Images/Getty Images

In a series of videos uploaded to the WellChild Instagram Story, the Duke of Sussex was seen chatting with a number of the evening’s honorees. The clips see him talking and laughing with the children, and one video saw a recipient, named Poppy, dancing in a flowing blue dress, as Prince Harry looked on and clapped.

这是第一次,皇室一直在the U.K. since June, and he clearly was happy to be surrounded by children. Even before he saw any of the kids, the Duke of Sussex was all smiles as he arrived on the red carpet for the event.

The duke traveled alone, without his wife,Meghan Markle, 42, or his two children in tow.

Prince Harry.
Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

Have a crumpet for us, Prince Harry.

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Joel Calfee

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Joel is the Associate Editor for News & Entertainment and has been reporting on all things pop culture for over 5 years. Before working at PureWow, he served as a Features...
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