Prince Harry is set to return to the UK on September 8 to attend the WellChild Awards, a charity event celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The date coincides with the third anniversary of the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Prince Harry will be celebrating 20 years of the WellChild Awards in London on September 8,” the charity announced. The event honors the resilience and achievements of children battling serious illnesses.
“I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families, and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit,” Harry, who has been a patron of the charity since 2007, said in a statement.
As with previous short visits to his home country, Harry’s trip has sparked speculation about whether he might reconnect with the royal family. However, chances appear slim. In May, the 40-year-old revealed that his father, King Charles III, who is battling cancer, was no longer speaking to him following Harry’s memoir and ongoing court battles in the UK.
Since stepping back from frontline royal duties in 2020, Harry has lived in California with his wife, Meghan, and their two children. His visits to Britain have largely centered on charity engagements and court hearings.
Relations with his elder brother, Prince William, have also deteriorated, with reports indicating they are not on speaking terms. The brothers were last seen together at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022 but have avoided each other at subsequent events.
Earlier this year, Harry admitted that losing a court case over government-funded security has made it difficult for him to bring his family back to the UK. Despite the rift, he has expressed hope of reconciling with his father.
What you should know
Prince Harry, now based in California, continues to make brief visits to the UK mainly for charity events and legal matters.
His upcoming appearance at the WellChild Awards underscores his commitment to the cause, but tensions with King Charles III and Prince William continue to cast a shadow over his return.
