Prince Harry has issued an emotional plea to the UK public, urging people to nominate “unsung heroes” for the 2026 WellChild Awards.
The Duke of Sussex released a new video message this week calling on communities across the United Kingdom to put forward seriously ill children, their siblings, parents, carers and medical professionals for national recognition.
The appeal comes as more than 100,000 children in the UK live with long-term, complex health conditions, according to charity WellChild.
The annual awards shine a spotlight on those facing daily medical challenges and those who care for them.
Why has Prince Harry launched the WellChild Awards 2026 search now?
Prince Harry, who has served as patron of WellChild for 18 years, said the awards remain one of the most important events in his calendar.
In his recorded message, he described the ceremony as a “magical” occasion that celebrates young people living with complex medical needs.
He said: “Every year, one of the moments I look forward to the most is spending time with the incredible children and families that I meet through the WellChild Awards.
These children and young people are living with complex medical needs, challenges that most of us can barely imagine. And yet time and again they meet life with positivity, courage, humour and an extraordinary joy for living.”
The Duke stressed that the awards cannot happen without public nominations, directly urging viewers to take part.
“If you know a child who’s learned hospital routines before playground games, a sibling who quietly became a carer or a parent or professional whose life revolves around constant selfless care, please nominate them.”
What are the WellChild Awards, and who can be nominated?
The WellChild Awards recognise:
- Inspirational children and young people aged 4–18
- Dedicated parents and carers
- Supportive siblings
- Outstanding healthcare professionals
The charity says the goal is not only to honour bravery but to highlight the reality faced by thousands of families across Britain every day.
According to WellChild, more than 100,000 children in the UK currently live with serious and complex medical conditions. These can include neurological disorders, genetic conditions, severe disabilities and life-limiting illnesses.
WellChild Chief Executive Matt James said: “The WellChild Awards are our chance to turn the spotlight on the incredible spirit of the UK’s seriously ill children.
We know there are many unsung heroes out there, from the children themselves to the professionals and families who support them. We want to hear those stories.”
Why do these awards matter for UK families?
For many families, caring for a child with complex health needs involves:
- Frequent hospital stays
- Daily medication management
- Specialist equipment at home
- Reduced working hours or career sacrifices
The awards offer something many families say they rarely receive, national recognition.
At last year’s ceremony, winners included seven-year-old Esmée, who underwent 35 operations, and ten-year-old Gwen, a wheelchair racer living with spina bifida. Their stories gained significant public attention and sparked online support across the UK.
How does Prince Harry’s role connect to his wider charity work?
Prince Harry has maintained a long-standing connection with children’s charities, particularly those supporting vulnerable young people. Despite stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, he continues to serve as WellChild’s patron.
The Duke said nominating someone goes beyond recognition: “By nominating, you’re not just recognising an achievement, you’re telling a story.
You’re shining a light on extraordinary bravery, on resilience and kindness that’s happening in communities across the United Kingdom every day, often unseen and too often uncelebrated.”
His continued involvement signals that children’s health and family support remain central to his charitable focus.
How can the public nominate someone?
Nominations for the 2026 WellChild Awards are now open through the charity’s official website. Categories cover children, young carers, parents, and healthcare workers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
WellChild encourages people to nominate:
- A neighbour quietly caring for a seriously ill child
- A sibling who has taken on unexpected responsibilities
- A nurse or specialist who goes beyond their duty
- A child who shows exceptional resilience
The charity says every nomination helps highlight the daily realities faced by families across the UK.
