Prince Harry has left an audience in stitches with a joke about the challenges of parenting at this evening's WellChild Awards. During his speech, the Duke of Sussex subtly mentioned his two children, Prince Archie, four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet.
Making the audience laugh, Harry said: "As a father of two – and three dogs, so basically five – I’m acutely aware of the many joys and challenges that come with parenting. And that’s with kids who aren’t facing health challenges. So to the parent carers in the room, you have my sincerest admiration and respect."
Harry shares Archie and Lilibet with his wife, Meghan Markle, who chose not to travel to the UK for the event, remaining in the US with the children. Harry arrived in the UK earlier today before heading to Germany for the Invictus Games starting September 9.
This year's WellChild Awards is held on the eve of the first anniversary of the late Queen's death. Harry, a WellChild patron for 15 years, referenced his grandmother in his speech, noting he was unable to attend last year due to her passing. He said: "She would have been the first person to insist I still come to be with you all instead of going to her... exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight."
Harry spent nearly an hour chatting with award winners at the reception. It remains unclear how he will mark the anniversary of the Queen's death, as he will be in Germany from Saturday until September 16.
