Prince Harry is known for his philanthropic work and his role as a trustee of various organizations dedicated to improving lives. The 41-year-old Duke of Sussex visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Thursday, July 9, to celebrate a milestone for one of his favorite charities. The visit was a key moment in her ongoing commitment to helping children with medical conditions and their families, although she stepped down from her royal duties and moved to California in 2020.According to PEOPLE, Prince Harry visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital in his capacity as ‘WellChild’ manager. The event was to celebrate 20 years of the first ‘WellChild’ Nurse, a unit created in 2006 and supported by Prince Harry. This position was created to support children with complex medical needs and their families, coordinating care between the hospital and home.
Prince Harry celebrates 20 years WellChild nursing program
Prince Harry became a patron of “WellChild” in 2007 and continues to support the charity’s work to improve the lives of seriously ill children and their families. He continued to attend the organization’s events, including the annual ‘WellChild’ awards in the UK, although he left his royal duties and moved to North America with Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
Prince Harry reflects on his long-term relationship
According to Hello magazine, last year, Prince Harry attended the annual “WellChild” Awards, where he spoke about his long-term connection with the organization. “I still remember my first ‘WellChild’ Award, 18 years ago – before beards, hair, you know how it goes – I walked into the room, and within three minutes I realized two things: the love and energy in the room was palpable, it was also unexpected! he said. “And secondly, that I was very busy with all of this. Tonight has been the highlight of my year since then, and it’s all because of you guys: these kids, because this is our ‘WellChild’ group.”
The Duke of Sussex visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital as part of his ongoing commitment to WellChild, to celebrate the nursing program’s 20-year anniversary and meet with health workers and families. Photo credit (Instagram)
Prince Harry also spoke about how the support took on new meaning after becoming a father. They considered the ceremony in 2018 with Meghan, before announcing that they were expecting their first child. “I remember pushing Meghan’s hand very hard during the award ceremony, we were all thinking what it would be like to be parents one day. And now, as parents, being here and talking to you all tugs at my heart in a way that I couldn’t understand until I had my own child,” he said.Prince Harry’s visit to the hospital came after he arrived in the UK on Monday, July 6, and had already been seen throughout the week linked to the Invictus Games Foundation and other charities. Meghan and their children did not attend the trip due to concerns about their stay in London.