Harry arrives for WellChild awards but no sign of Meghan

The Duke of Sussex has arrived for the WellChild awards to recognise and reward youngsters living life to the full despite serious illnesses.

Harry was greeted by Matt James, WellChild’s chief executive, at the start of a glittering evening where a host of sporting, television and music stars will join guests at London’s Lancaster Hotel for the event.

Missing was wife Meghan who has not been seen at a public event since the Sussexes returned to the UK in late August, and speculation had been rife she would attend the event.

Harry attended major events associated with his Invictus Games on consecutive days last week but there was no sign of his wife who last joined him at the WellChild awards in 2019.

The engagement is described as “continuing his long association with WellChild as the charity’s patron”, with the awards, which he has attended 15 times, being a “significant part of his annual programme”.

Harry has been patron of WellChild – the national charity for seriously ill children and their families – since 2007 and regularly attends the awards ceremony.

In a message on the charity’s website the duke 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.”