These awards recognize the courage and resilience of seriously ill children and their families. The ceremony, scheduled for September 7th, coincides with the eve of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's passing. During the event, Prince Harry will spend time with the winners and their families, listen to their stories, and help create cherished memories. He will also present an award and deliver a speech.
However, the news of Prince Harry's return has been met with mixed reactions. Some parents associated with Wellchild have expressed their discontent and have initiated a petition to have him removed as their Patron. One parent's representative voiced concerns about Prince Harry's suitability, citing his past struggles and behavior. They questioned his ability to serve as an example of mental and emotional well-being, courage, or strength. The parents are advocating for his removal and expressed their reservations about allowing their children near him.
Additionally, there have been reports that both King Charles and Prince William have no plans to meet with Prince Harry during his visit to the UK. The timing of his return, just before the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death, had raised hopes for a family reconciliation. However, sources have indicated that relations between Prince Harry and his brother and father remain strained.
In contrast to the previous year's global outpouring of grief and extensive state events, there are no public or private family gatherings scheduled for the anniversary of the late Queen's passing. King Charles and the Queen are expected to spend the day privately reflecting on her legacy, following in her tradition of staying at Balmoral Castle during the summer. On the same day, the Prince and Princess of Wales will visit Saint David's Cathedral to lead tributes to the late Queen.
It's worth noting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a history of scheduling their events and announcements around royal family activities, perhaps in an effort to remain in the public eye. This visit for the Wellchild Awards comes after their cancellation of the same event last year following the Queen's death.
Furthermore, Prince Harry's visit to the UK and his participation in the Wellchild Awards may raise questions about the security claims made by the couple. He has made multiple trips to London, and both he and Meghan have traveled to Europe without any security issues since their departure from royal duties. These actions may undermine their case for publicly funded security.
Harry's visit to the UK is just a brief stopover before he heads to Dusseldorf for the Invictus Games, which commence shortly afterward. Meghan Markle will not be joining him in the UK on this occasion, instead flying directly from California to Germany.
Prince Harry's upcoming visit to the UK for the Wellchild Awards has stirred controversy among parents associated with the charity, while King Charles and Prince William are reportedly not planning to meet with him during his stay. The timing of his return in relation to the late Queen's anniversary has fueled speculation about potential family reconciliations, but tensions appear far from resolved.
