Prince Harry praised the 'can-do' attitude of youngsters who have been 'dealt the toughest cards imaginable' in a heartfelt speech after he and Meghan met families at the WellChild Awards in London.
Delivering a speech in the hotel ballroom, the Duke paid tribute to the children, carers and nurses telling them: 'Every one of you is truly amazing.'
Saying their stories were 'without doubt incredibly moving and motivating', he hailed the young people who have been 'dealt the toughest cards imaginable' and are a 'constant reminder that we must look to the positive and never give up'.
He also paid a special tribute to Scarlett, a 10-year-old girl who helps with the care of her sister Freya.
Prince Harry said: '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.'
Gesturing to the Duchess, watching him from her seat around a table, he said he was 'especially grateful to be able to share the scope and magnitude of this work with my wife who joins me here this evening'.
In a touching moment, Meghan was handed a posy of white roses by seven-year-old Matilda Booth, who has spina bifida
Prince Harry and Meghan are pictured here with Matilda Booth, the little girl who gave the Duchess of Sussex a posy of white roses earlier in the evening
The Duchess of Sussex attended the annual WellChild Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London this evening. Meghan sported a black suit by Altuzarra and a blouse by Deitas
Harry and Meghan also met 13-year-old Poppy, who has Panenteric Crohn's Disease
During a speech Harry said their stories were 'without doubt incredibly moving and motivating', and hailed the young people who have been 'dealt the toughest cards imaginable'
Prince Harry, pictured here on stage with McKenzie Brackley and Matilda Booth, praised the 'can-do' attitude of youngsters who have been 'dealt the toughest cards imaginable' in a heartfelt speech
Matilda Booth handed the Duchess of Sussex the bouquet but Meghan quickly handed back a single rose, and told her to put it in her memory box. She was asked by Prince Harry to ‘pinky promise’ him that she would ‘never stop smiling'
Harry told Matilda to ‘never hide that brilliant smile away'. After her chat with the Royal couple, Matilda was still clutching her rose and toy - with a beaming smile that went ear from ear
Meghan played around with a red balloon animal as she and Harry spoke with McKenzie Brackley, who was the joint winner of the Inspirational Child (four-six years) Award
The Royal couple also met with Jacob Granger, pictured with his sister, who won the Most Caring Young Person award
Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, arrived today for one of the most tear-jerking but inspirational events of their working year
Smarten up like the Duchess of Sussex in a trouser suit by Altuzarra
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out for the second time within a week to attend the Well Child awards in London.
A few days ago the pair attended a charity performance of Hamilton in the West End, where Meghan turned heads in a little tux dress by Judith & Charles. Tonight, she opted for another classic black look, this time in the form of a trouser suit.
The chic two-piece hails from Altuzarra's pre-spring 2019 collection, and comprises the 'Acacia' tailored blazer and 'Serge' trousers. Meghan completed her look with a satin camisole by Deitas, court shoes and clutch bag, creating a chic and sophisticated aesthetic.
If you’re keen to emulate the Duchess’ ensemble, take a look at the smart alternatives we’ve lined up below. With options from Mango, Joseph, Reiss and Zara, these two-pieces have the ability to take you from office to bar, with a simple change of accessories.
* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
Meghan is pictured arriving at the WellChild event at the Royal Lancaster Hotel this evening
Harry and Meghan pose for a photo with four-year-old McKenzie Brackley, one of the children the charity help, ahead of the ceremony this evening
Meghan was wearing what is fast becoming her trademark black trouser suit, this time by Altuzarra, and a blouse by Deitas
Harry, now the Duke of Sussex, became Patron of WellChild in 2007 and has described the youngsters he meets as ‘amazingly brave’
Prince Harry played with the Ruby Joslin-Smith from the Riverside School Choir and let the little girl pull on his tie
Earlier in the evening Prince Harry made a 'pinky promise' to an inspirational girl as she handed Meghan a posy of white roses.
The Duchess of Sussex pulled out a white rose from a posy given to her by a seriously-ill little girl and told her keep it in her ‘memory box’.
Adorable Matilda Booth, seven, who suffers from spina bifida and is paralysed from the chest downwards, was also asked by Prince Harry to ‘pinky promise’ him that she would ‘never stop smiling’.
‘Never hide that brilliant smile away,’ he said.
The youngster, from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, met the Royal couple at the WellChild Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, which celebrates the unbelievable bravery of the nation’s most seriously ill children and the carers who selflessly look after them.
Matilda spent her early years in hospital and has had more than 40 operations, including brain surgery seven times.
Despite this, the beautiful little girl has a huge zest for life and impresses all she meets with her courage, strength and determination, never complaining or feeling sorry for herself. She even says she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.
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.
Other inspirational children the Royal couple met include McKenzie Brackley, who was the joint winner of the Inspirational Child (four-six years) Award with Matilda.
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.'
The WellChild Awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s most 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.
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 37, are attending a pre-ceremony reception where they will meet the young winners of each award category and their families, and the nominated healthcare professionals.
Meghan was wearing what is fast becoming her trademark black trouser suit, this time by Altuzarra, and a blouse by Deitas.
The pair are attending the event to highlight the courage of seriously ill children and their families, and thank those who care for and support them
The pair looked happy as they arrived at the event where they will meet inspirational youngsters
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a joke ahead of the WellChild awards ceremony this evening
Meghan looked seriously chic as she stepped out in this all-black trouser suit for the glittering event in London
Harry is presenting an award during the ceremony and also delivering a speech
The couple also met with 12-year-old Jake Stacey, who has spinal muscular atrophy. Jake landed the lead role in Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus last December, despite being told for years that he could not audition for roles because of his disability
Later on they will attend a ceremony where the prince will present the Award for Most Inspirational Child (aged four-six) and deliver a speech
The couple also met with Chloe Henderson and her sister Hana. Chloe was born 10 weeks early and has cerebral palsy
Harry and Meghan are pictured meeting McKenzie one of the seriously ill children the charity help
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 37, are attending a pre-ceremony reception where they will meet the young winners of each award category and their families
As they left, the Duke and Duchess met children from Riverside School, who are the WellChild choir of the year.
Ruby Joslin-Smith, aged seven, stole the show after delightedly grabbing the Duke’s tie to play with as he talked.
Harry, now the Duke of Sussex, became Patron of WellChild in 2007 and has described the youngsters he meets as ‘amazingly brave’.
WellChild is a national charity for seriously ill children and their families. Across the UK, growing numbers of children remain in hospital simply because there is no support enabling them to leave.
Through a nationwide network of WellChild Children’s Nurses, home makeover projects and family support programmes, the charity works to give children and young people the best chance to thrive, properly supported at home, together with their families.
Other celebrities attending the event include Dynamo and Strictly Come Dancing star Katie Piper.
Magician Dynamo also attended the event. The 35-year-old recently shared that he was suffering from side effects from the treatment he is receiving for Crohn's disease
Katie Piper, who is set to star in Strictly Come Dancing this year, also attended the event in London this evening
Meghan and Harry met with the organisers at the event for the charity WellChild this evening
TV presenter Laura Hamilton (left) and actress Georgia May Foote also attended the event
Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee (left) and singer Natalie Rushdie attended the event in London this evening
The Bill actor Scott Maslen attended the event with his wife Estelle Rubio
Actresses Lauren Drummond and Sarah Barrand also went to the glittering WellChild Awards
Prince Harry greets award winner Ollie Carroll at the WellChild Awards in October 2016
Director of Programmes, Linda Partridge, said: ‘It is a tremendous challenge to select winners from the many, many truly amazing nominations we receive from all over the county.
'All the panel members are moved by the bravery of the children, the stories of selfless care and support and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, watchers, brothers and sisters who make a great difference.’
Winners this year include seven-year-old Matilda Booth, from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, who has spina bifida, is paralysed from the chest down and has had more more than 40 operations.
She has been praised for her 'great zest for life' and her 'courage, strength and determination'.
Mckenzie Brackley, from Fife, has also been hailed as inspirational.
The four-year-old, who had to learn to speak, swallow, eat and drink and move again due to acute flaccid paralysis, was praised for being there for other children when they are scared or sad.
'Despite his own problems Mckenzie cheers up everyone when they are low, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face', WellChild said.
Prince Harry's speech at the WellChild Awards in full
Once again this year, it is an absolute privilege to be in the company of such inspiring families and nurses – especially the children and young people that we’re all here to honour.
First, let me congratulate all of those nominated tonight. 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.
The stories that we’ve all just heard – of resilience, strength of spirit, and the power of working together – were without doubt, incredibly moving and motivating. They really sum up what WellChild is all about – giving families the best chance to care for their children at home, and supporting them through the reality of all that that entails.
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.
Delivering a speech in the hotel ballroom, the Duke paid tribute to the children, carers and nurses telling them: 'Every one of you is truly amazing'
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.
Caring for children with serious health needs is demanding, I don't need to tell the people in this room that. It's exhausting and difficult. Lack of training is a huge barrier to leaving hospital for many families who spend months and months wanting to go home. In most areas of the UK, only very brief training is available and doesn’t always include potentially life-saving crisis interventions. That means that a large group of isolated, partially or un-trained parents and families are having to provide 24-hour, often invasive, care to their children – they deserve our support. And that’s where WellChild comes in.
We are about to transform training for these parents, and have already started creating new training centres designed to make parents more confident and competent in the critical care of their children. We are exploring the development of new digital tools to better empower families in the care of their children at home and we are developing new national standards for the training of parents, carers and families.
Not only will this work help solve the practical concerns, it will also address many of the emotionally challenging issues that come with a life spent fighting for your child without the opportunities for respite and relaxation that most of us take for granted.
We have seen for ourselves tonight how strong and resilient these young people and families are. Your stories are nothing but inspirational and every year at the WellChild Awards I am astonished by the people I meet.
But the determination and incredible spirit of young people like Scarlett and the others here with us tonight shouldn’t distract us from the fact that we have a growing population of families across the UK who need our help more than ever.
I urge you to please continue to support the work of WellChild in whatever way you can.
And finally, congratulations to all of our winners and nominees – I can’t think of a group of people who deserve our recognition more.
You are true inspirations. Thank you!
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/05/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-arrive-at-wellchild-awards-in-london/
Main photo article Prince Harry praised the ‘can-do’ attitude of youngsters who have been ‘dealt the toughest cards imaginable’ in a heartfelt speech after he and Meghan met families at the WellChild Awards in London.
Delivering a speech in the hotel ballroom, the Duke paid tribute to the ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves US News HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/09/04/18/4FB33A5E00000578-6129189-image-a-142_1536082813815.jpg
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий