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Royal news – live: Prince Harry in southern Africa for another trip without wife Meghan after flying UK visit

The Duke of Sussex immediately left the UK to continue his charity work in Africa

Emma Guinness
Wednesday 02 October 2024 04:39
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Prince Harry laughs as young boy pulls his beard at WellChild awards in London

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Prince Harry is in southern Africa for another solo trip without Meghan Markle after a flying visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, is continuing his charity work with Sentebale, which supports young people affected by HIV.

Last night, he met with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho at a bonfire to celebrate the charity’s progress and to call on “people at the top” to take action so that more good can be done.

“We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference,” he said. The biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening.”

This came after Prince William stepped out in London with David Beckham yesterday afternoon following Harry’s triumphant appearance at the WellChild Awards on Monday night.

Harry made headlines with his affinity for the children present and burst into laughter when a cheeky youngster grabbed his beard.

William, 42, met David Beckham as he viewed the new London Air Ambulance helicopters and their crew following a successful fundraising appeal.

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Prince William films video for upcoming Earthshot prize project

The Prince of Wales has shared some behind-the-scenes snaps of himself out in nature for an upcoming Earthshot prize project.

William, 42, launched the prize in 2020 to recognise and support individuals making significant contributions towards protecting the environment.

Emma Guinness30 September 2024 21:00
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Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at WellChild charity event

Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at charity event

Prince Harry burst into laughter when a young boy grabbed his beard at the WellChild charity event. The Duke of Sussex met with children, teenagers, and their parents at the WellChild Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Monday (30 September). In a rare royal event in the UK honouring the achievements of youngsters battling serious conditions, Harry had conversations with children and their families, joking with them and answering questions. Seven-year-old Noah Nicholson, from Grimsby, who has complex medical conditions, met with Harry and proceeded to grab his bead and cheeks in a touching moment.

Holly Evans30 September 2024 20:08
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Boy, seven, grabs Prince Harry’s beard during sweet encounter at awards

As part of his role as patron of Wellchild, Prince Harry met with families and children, including Noah Noah Nicholson, who has complex medical needs.

He has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and other serious health issues, but his mother, Tracey Nicholson, 42, from Grimsby, said he remains happy and positive and lives life to the full.

The seven-year-old brought his prized comfort toys – George the cat and Ratty the Giraffe in the shape of a blanket – and delighted in throwing them on to the floor.

When Ms Nicholson apologised for her son’s antics, Harry, who is WellChild’s patron, replied: “Don’t apologise, I love it.”

Harry recognised Ratty the Giraffe and called the blanket comforter “lovey”, a name used in American, and said: “Every parent has about six spare.”

At one point Noah, who has brain damage and won the most Inspirational Child aged four to six, grabbed Harry’s beard and made him grin.

Holly Evans30 September 2024 19:15
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Harry upstaged by boisterous Noah at WellChild awards

The Duke of Sussex has been upstaged by a boisterous boy who threw his toys away during an awards night and laughed as Harry picked them up.

The duke met seven-year-old Noah Nicholson – who has complex medical conditions – when he returned to the UK to honour children, teenagers and their parents who have been recognised with awards from the charity WellChild.

Harry was asked by some of the youngsters whether he had a passport, and received gifts for his own children in the US.

He told one winner at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel: “My award is being here with you guys.”

The WellChild awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who keep them healthy and happy, including health, social care and education professionals.

Holly Evans30 September 2024 18:40
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King Charles speaks of royal affection for Scotland

King Charles has spoken of his family’s love of Scotland in a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

In a speech at Holyrood, the monarch said: “We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland. Because of its natural beauty, of course, but also because of its strength of character, based as it is on the extraordinary diversity of its peoples, whose range of ideas, skills, energy, passions, and frequently deeply-held beliefs, never cease to inspire me.”

He then noted that his family’s love of the country runs so deep that the late Queen Elizabeth II chose to spend her final days in the country before passing away at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire.

Emma Guinness30 September 2024 18:00
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Prince Harry arrives in London for WellChild Awards

The Duke of Sussex was all smiles as he arrived in London this afternoon for the WellChild Awards.

Harry, 40, is expected to present an award at the prestigious event and deliver a brief speech, having been a patron of the charity since 2007.

Prince Harry has arrived in London for the WellChild Awards.
Prince Harry has arrived in London for the WellChild Awards. (Getty Images)
The duke has only visited the UK a handful of times this year.
The duke has only visited the UK a handful of times this year. (Getty Images)
Emma Guinness30 September 2024 16:15
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Prince Harry explained why he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK

The Duke of Sussex explained earlier this year that he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK because he fears “an acid or knife attack” inspired by negative tabloid stories.

Harry, 40, has been engaged in a lengthy battle to have his taxpayer-funded security reinstated after it was removed when he stepped down as a working royal.

Speaking on ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said: “All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff, to act on what they have read. And whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is.”

“They are genuine concerns for me,” he added. “They are one of the reasons I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”

Harry has returned to London today alone for the WellChild Awards.

The couple moved to California in 2020 after giving up their previous roles as working royals.
The couple moved to California in 2020 after giving up their previous roles as working royals. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Emma Guinness30 September 2024 15:00
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King Charles hugged at Holyrood

King Charles received a hug from a royal well-wisher while attending an engagement marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

Yvonne Macmillan, 59, from East Renfrewshire, asked the monarch about his health and offered a hug in light of his recent struggles.

She said: “I asked him if he was feeling better and if I could give him a hug. I actually said to him: ‘Can I hug you?’

“As I hugged him I said: ‘God bless you’, so it was like God giving him a hug.”

Ms Macmillan was attending the event in her capacity as a ‘local hero’ after setting up her Good Causes charity, which helps people in need.

King Charles delivered a speech at the event.
King Charles delivered a speech at the event. (Getty)
Emma Guinness30 September 2024 12:00
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Prince Harry to arrive in London today

The Duke of Sussex is set to arrive in London today as he visits the city to attend the WellChild Awards.

Harry, 40, will be present in his capacity as patron for the charity, which celebrates the achievements of seriously ill children living in the UK and their caregivers.

The duke is expected to give a brief speech at the event and present an award.

Prince Harry said his grandmother is ‘looking down on all of us’ during his speech at the event last year.
Prince Harry said his grandmother is ‘looking down on all of us’ during his speech at the event last year. (Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Emma Guinness30 September 2024 08:58
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Samoa’s prime minister urges King to swap suit for ‘island vibe’ during meeting

The King has been urged to swap his suit for “more of an island vibe” when he joins world leaders at a major Commonwealth summit in Samoa next month, according to reports.

Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has called for those attending the meeting to dress comfortably, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

The King is head of the Commonwealth and for the first time will preside over the gathering of presidents and prime ministers as head of state, during the event hosted by Samoa which will also be attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Read the full article here:

Samoa’s prime minister urges King to swap suit for ‘island vibe’ during meeting

Samoa’s PM Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has called for those attending the meeting to dress comfortably, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Holly Evans30 September 2024 07:00

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