It was a very special evening for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who met some of the bravest children in the country at the WellChild Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel.
The Duchess arriving.
Catching up with the winners.
A lovely moment between the Duchess and winner Jake. The 12-year-old has spinal muscular atrophy. Despite years of being told he couldn’t audition for theatre roles because of his disability, he didn’t give up and landed the lead role in Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus last December.
The couple posed for official photos.
A highlights video from the night.
The Duchess looked sophisticated and sleek in a black Altuzarra trouser suit for the evening. Meghan wore the Acacia One-Button Blazer which features a fitted silhouette, straight hem and notched collar. It retails at Neiman Marcus for $1595.
The jacket was teamed with Altuzarra's High-Waisted Boot-Cut Wool Pants.
The brand confirmed via Twitter.
Underneath, Meghan wore the silk Deitas Coco camisole.
Gabi identified Meghan's bag as the Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Faux Leather Crossbody Bag. It's described as: "Diamond-cut chains outline a neatly organized flap bag crafted in Italy from shimmering, lightly textured faux leather." It's available at Nordstrom.
The Duchess arriving.
This evening provided the perfect opportunity for Harry to introduce a charity close to his heart to his wife. The Duke has been incredibly touched by the "inspirational" children and young people he's met since he became Patron in 2007. Speaking about their courage he said "Many of the children and young people WellChild support have been dealt the hardest card imaginable in life, and yet their courage inspires the most incredible strength in those around them." The annual Awards have become a staple on Harry's calendar. It is believed they were moved to an earlier date this year to accommodate Harry and Meghan's upcoming tour.
The WellChild Awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who go the extra mile to keep children healthy and happy, including the outstanding health, social care and education professionals. The Awards has played a huge part in highlighting what these families need, and the support that is desperately needed to meet the ever-increasing demand.
Harry and Meghan joined guests for a pre-ceremony reception where they met the young winners of each award category and their families, and the nominated healthcare professionals.
The couple first met seven-year-old Matilda Booth.
Matilda has Spina Bifida and is paralysed from the chest down, she spent her early years in hospital and has had brain surgery seven times among more than 40 operations. "Despite all this Matilda has a great zest for life and impresses all she meets with her great courage, strength and determination. She never complains or feels sorry for herself and her mum says she has the biggest heart and smile ever. When she grows up she wants to be a nurse."
More from the Mail Online:
The video below has terrific footage of Harry and Meghan's meeting with Matilda.
The couple first met seven-year-old Matilda Booth.
Matilda has Spina Bifida and is paralysed from the chest down, she spent her early years in hospital and has had brain surgery seven times among more than 40 operations. "Despite all this Matilda has a great zest for life and impresses all she meets with her great courage, strength and determination. She never complains or feels sorry for herself and her mum says she has the biggest heart and smile ever. When she grows up she wants to be a nurse."
More from the Mail Online:
'Speaking after their meeting with Harry, who is patron of the charity, and his new wife, Matilda’s mother, Sharon, told MailOnline: ‘They were just so lovely. It was very exciting. Matilda had watched the royal wedding and was very nervous about meeting them but they completely put us at ease.
‘They got down to Matilda’s level and she gave Meghan a posy. But she took one out and handed it back to Matilda and told her to keep it in her memory box. She made her feel so special.
‘Prince Harry also made her give him a pinky promise and told her to never stop smiling. He told her she had such a lovely smile. They also wanted to meet Simon, her toy dog. She is inseparable from him.’ Prince Harry also joked to Matilda, ‘Are those flowers for me?’ Matilda was still clutching her rose and toy afterwards - with a beaming smile that went ear from ear.'
The video below has terrific footage of Harry and Meghan's meeting with Matilda.
Like Matilda, McKenzie Brackley is a recipient of one of the Most Inspirational Childs Award. Four-year-old McKenzie from Fife spent three months in intensive care aged two with Acute Flaccid Paralysis following a virus. He has since had to learn to speak, swallow, eat and drink and move again. "Despite his own problems Mckenzie cheers up everyone when they are low, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. He is there for other children when they are scared or sad, he has helped the hospital charity with their fundraising advertisements, and has inspired everyone he has met to never give up."
Rebecca English reports:
Find out more about McKenzie's journey and his family below.
The Duke and Duchess with winner Cameron. The 16-year-old was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and spent most of his first three years in hospital. He is now junior political editor for a magazine and has interviewed politicians at the Scottish and English Parliament.
The couple with Evie, who was born with Spina Bifida. Evie has now won several show jumping awards, and mentors young people with health problems to encourage them to get on in life.
Other winners included Scarlet Mathison who was awarded the Most Caring Young Person Award. The ten-year-old cares for her sister Freya who is three years older. Freya has complex conditions and is severely disabled. From an early age, Scarlett has shown a keen interest in being involved in the care of her older sister and now helps with everything from using her feed pump and operating her bed and hoist to helping her parents give medicines.
Chloe was born 10 weeks early and has cerebral palsy which left her unable to walk. In 2014 she became the first disabled child in the UK to pass her pre-primary ballet award with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance.
Jacob cares for his sister Melissa, who has Angelman syndrome, which leaves her in need of 24 hour care. His determination and patience have resulted in Melissa learning first to crawl and then walk.
Melissa was delighted to meet Meghan.
Harry and Meghan met Jamie, who has a complex range of conditions, including CIPO which severely affects his intestines. Jamie has made astounding progress at his new school, and completed the 2017 Parallel London 1K Super Sensory Run in his walker.
Poppy has Panenteric Crohns Disease. Despite tiredness and nausea she works hard at school and participates in many clubs such as the writers and illustrators club, debate society and drama club and she is even learning Latin.
Prince Harry presented the Award for Most Inspirational Child and delivered a speech. "Every one of you is truly amazing. You have shown all of us what it means to be a champion – whether for yourself, your family, your community, or someone in need."
During his speech, Harry noted he is "especially grateful to be able to share the scope and magnitude of this work with my wife".
Harry and Meghan congratulate Matilda on her award.
Rebecca English reports:
'His mother, Amy Brackley, said of their meeting with the royal couple: 'It was amazing.'They were so lovely. They knew he [Mckenzie] was scared of the cameras and they said they didn’t like the cameras either so they turned around. They said he was amazing and to keep going the way he is going and told him to look after me.
'He’s never going to forget this, even though he’s only four.'
At the event, Prince Harry revealed he loves the Lion King, whereas Meghan has 'always loved the Little Mermaid'. Meghan also recommended the 2016 Dreamworks film Ballerina and added: 'Harry likes it because she [the main character] has got red hair.'
Find out more about McKenzie's journey and his family below.
The couple with Evie, who was born with Spina Bifida. Evie has now won several show jumping awards, and mentors young people with health problems to encourage them to get on in life.
Other winners included Scarlet Mathison who was awarded the Most Caring Young Person Award. The ten-year-old cares for her sister Freya who is three years older. Freya has complex conditions and is severely disabled. From an early age, Scarlett has shown a keen interest in being involved in the care of her older sister and now helps with everything from using her feed pump and operating her bed and hoist to helping her parents give medicines.
Chloe was born 10 weeks early and has cerebral palsy which left her unable to walk. In 2014 she became the first disabled child in the UK to pass her pre-primary ballet award with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance.
Jacob cares for his sister Melissa, who has Angelman syndrome, which leaves her in need of 24 hour care. His determination and patience have resulted in Melissa learning first to crawl and then walk.
Melissa was delighted to meet Meghan.
Harry and Meghan met Jamie, who has a complex range of conditions, including CIPO which severely affects his intestines. Jamie has made astounding progress at his new school, and completed the 2017 Parallel London 1K Super Sensory Run in his walker.
Poppy has Panenteric Crohns Disease. Despite tiredness and nausea she works hard at school and participates in many clubs such as the writers and illustrators club, debate society and drama club and she is even learning Latin.
Prince Harry presented the Award for Most Inspirational Child and delivered a speech. "Every one of you is truly amazing. You have shown all of us what it means to be a champion – whether for yourself, your family, your community, or someone in need."
During his speech, Harry noted he is "especially grateful to be able to share the scope and magnitude of this work with my wife".
'I would like to thank all the families here this evening. The mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, and many other family members who are devoted to their children and are giving them the best care possible. You are such fierce advocates for your children and in doing everything in your power to give your family the best chance at a happy life. It is quite simply amazing.
I would also like to pay tribute to the devoted nurses and volunteers across the UK who help give children and young people living with serious illness or exceptional health needs – a chance to be cared for at home instead of hospital.
And I want to acknowledge the young people who have been dealt the toughest cards imaginable – but who persevere, rise above, and set the example of living life to the fullest. In fact you are often the ones who lift us up – your 'can-do' attitude and unwavering spirit serves as a constant reminder that we must always look to the positive and never give up.
For the past 40 years, WellChild has been identifying issues and finding long-lasting solutions so that families can care for and support their children at home in the very best possible way. I have been a patron of the organization for 11 years now, and this year I am especially grateful to be able to share the scope and magnitude of this work with my wife, who joins me here this evening.
The tremendous work of WellChild is ever evolving, and earlier this year WellChild published their new strategy to address priorities to keep up with the needs of young patients and their families. From developing new national standards, and establishing new training centres, to developing new digital tools – WellChild is paving the way for the best in care for children and their families.
Scarlett, who has been sitting next to me while we have been watching these remarkably inspirational stories this evening, is an absolutely perfect example of exactly that why training for families is so incredibly important. At 10 years old, she plays a key role in caring for her sister Freya – and I know that there have been occasions when she has taken the lead in managing Freya’s feeding and oxygen when helping her Grandmother on the very rare occasions when her parents have taken a few much-needed hours for themselves.'
Harry and Meghan congratulate Matilda on her award.
Catching up with the winners.
A lovely moment between the Duchess and winner Jake. The 12-year-old has spinal muscular atrophy. Despite years of being told he couldn’t audition for theatre roles because of his disability, he didn’t give up and landed the lead role in Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus last December.
The couple posed for official photos.
The Duke and Duchess with healthcare professionals.
If you would like to support the vital work WellChild do, please click here to donate.
If you would like to support the vital work WellChild do, please click here to donate.
Donations will help support the garden and bedroom makeovers project. Families caring for a child with complex care needs often find that projects in the home go unfinished as time and finances are so stretched. Many children and young people live in homes which are not suitable for their needs. WellChild’s Helping Hands programme addresses this by using company volunteers to complete projects – making life at home safer. Below, a garden makeover for Kian.
A highlights video from the night.
The Duchess looked sophisticated and sleek in a black Altuzarra trouser suit for the evening. Meghan wore the Acacia One-Button Blazer which features a fitted silhouette, straight hem and notched collar. It retails at Neiman Marcus for $1595.
The jacket was teamed with Altuzarra's High-Waisted Boot-Cut Wool Pants.
The brand confirmed via Twitter.
Gabi identified Meghan's bag as the Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Faux Leather Crossbody Bag. It's described as: "Diamond-cut chains outline a neatly organized flap bag crafted in Italy from shimmering, lightly textured faux leather." It's available at Nordstrom.
Gabi also identified Meghan's shoes as the Aquazzura 'Simply Irresistible' pumps.
The Duchess accessorised with the pearl and diamond earrings the Queen gave her.
The Duchess first wore them for a day of engagements in Chester with Her Majesty in June.
And both Harry and Meghan sported pins with the WellChild logo.
The WellChild Awards are an inspirational and enormously moving night. They are a highlight on the royal calendar year after year and the decision to hold them earlier than planned to ensure the Sussexes could attend is a testament to the dedication Harry's shown the charity over the past decade.
It obviously meant the world to the children and young people awarded to have the royal couple there and made the night all the more special for the amazing families involved. When we discuss the Royal family, we often think of the pomp, pageantry, fashion and jewels. What the monarchy is really and truly about is connecting with communities, celebrating the best of Britain and making memories. I have no doubt Harry and Meghan felt privileged to be a part an unforgettable evening for a group of wonderful youngsters who have displayed such resilience, courage and positivity in the face of unimaginable challenges. The event was undoubtedly a highly emotional one. Lizzie Robinson reports Harry told a winner Meghan "would definitely cry tonight". The event marked the beginning of her relationship with WellChild. She's a natural with children and did a fabulous job with each person she met.
On Thursday, The Duke and Duchess will attend 100 Days to Peace, a gala music evening in aid of Heads Together, Help for Heroes and Combat Stress. The one-off concert at Central Hall will mark the centenary of the end of the first World War. The event is scheduled to start at 7.30 pm.