The Duke of Sussex was mobbed by nurses during a visit to Birmingham Children's Hospital on Wednesday, where he praised the work of the WellChild charity and spoke about the financial challenges facing the National Health Service.
Visit marks WellChild's 20-year nursing programme
Harry, who is patron of WellChild, toured the hospital to celebrate two decades of the charity's specialist nursing programme. The initiative helps seriously ill children and their families transition from hospital to home care by teaching parents the necessary skills.
The duke's appearance caused excitement among medical staff, with nurses surrounding him in the corridors. One female medic received a hug, and families asked for photos. Harry posed for a group shot with about a dozen nurses, telling them: "Thank you for everything you do."
Harry meets young patients and shares personal stories
During the visit, Harry met two nurses funded by WellChild and spoke with young patients. In a lighter moment, he revealed his son Archie's love of Lego, telling 12-year-old Alec Hill: "Do you know who's obsessed with Lego? My son Archie – and he's a master builder."
Harry is rumoured to be planning to bring his children to see their grandfather, King Charles III, later this week.
Duke highlights NHS funding pressures
Addressing a room of charity executives, nurses, and families, Harry said: "I don't know if you hear it enough, the difference that you make every single day is quite literally changing daily lives." He added: "I understand, and we understand, that becomes harder every week with cuts and financial difficulties… just the insanity that seems to be circulating, not just in this country but in general."
He continued: "But hospitals like this don't run without people like you, and families like this can't be families that they want to be at home without the expertise and the skill set that you're handing over to them, and WellChild is right at the centre of that."
Family life and hospital food quip
Harry expressed hope that the Government, NHS, and WellChild partnership would provide "more opportunities for you to make your lives easier." He added: "We can't solve everything, but what we can do is make sure that your lives are more comfortable and that you are trained to be able to take your kids home and not be stuck in the hospital."
The room laughed when he joked about hospital meals: "And not because the food is bad, though that might be a reason, but so you can actually have a family life."
Celebration and World Cup banter
Harry cut a raspberry and white chocolate sponge cake to celebrate 20 years of WellChild nurses, joking "I haven't cut a cake for a very long time" as he debated where to place the knife.
During the celebration, he discussed the World Cup with former WellChild patient Wyatt Makwana, 12. When Wyatt said England might not get past the semi-finals, Harry replied: "Let's hope you're wrong."
Personal interactions with patients
Harry sat on Bilal Mirza's hospital bed and listened as the 12-year-old described his chest pains from pneumonia that led to septic shock and intensive care. Bilal is now being gradually discharged with help from WellChild nurse Nicky Holt. Harry told him: "You've been through the wars, you scared everybody by the sound of it."
Bilal's mother, Lubna Bashir, said her son had used up his "nine lives."
Harry also met Alec Hill, who has a rare chromosomal condition and immune system disease. When Alec said he supported Aston Villa, Harry replied: "Aston Villa, my brother supports Aston Villa," referring to the Prince of Wales. He told Alec: "You've got a lot going on and you had your mum and dad really worried, now looks like you're on the road to recovery – get you out of this hospital as soon as possible."
Royal family activities
While Harry was in Birmingham, his estranged brother, the Prince of Wales, carried out official events in Hastings. The King and Queen visited London Zoo, where Charles used a stethoscope to check a penguin's health.
Harry's week-long UK trip has drawn scrutiny over his accommodation arrangements after a public disagreement with Buckingham Palace about offers of a royal room, and whether he will meet the King.
