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Prince Harry makes heartfelt plea for WellChild nominations from his Montecito mansion 09:00 GMT 28 Jan 2025, updated 09:30 GMT 28 Jan 2025 By MARK DUELL 125 comments Prince Harry today urged people to nominate inspirational children and young people with complex medical needs for this year’s WellChild Awards. Advertisement The Duke of Sussex said in a video message recorded at his mansion in Montecito, California, that viewers should ‘nominate the exceptional people who inspire you’. The 40-year-old royal, who has been patron of the children’s charity since 2007, also called for nominations for individuals who support and care for youngsters. The Duke said the awards ceremony in London, which will celebrate its 20th year this year, highlights ‘remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage’. He added that it was a ‘true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community’, and that people’s ‘support can make all the difference’. Harry regularly attends the annual event hosted by WellChild, which provides a network of nurses, home makeover projects and family support programmes. He made a rare visit to the UK last September to attend the 2024 awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, joining guests such as KSI, Oti Mabuse, Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Kate Garraway, Beverly Knight, Pixie Lott and Gaby Roslin. The ceremony, in association with GSK, celebrates 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. Prince Harry recorded a video message for WellChild at his home in Montecito, California + 9 View gallery Prince Harry recorded a video message for WellChild at his home in Montecito, California 2024 – Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards last September at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel + 9 View gallery 2024 – Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards last September at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel 2023 – The Duke poses with winners at the Hurlingham Club in London in September 2023 + 9 View gallery 2023 – The Duke poses with winners at the Hurlingham Club in London in September 2023 TRENDING Teenager visiting Auschwitz solves mystery after 80 years 13.5k viewing now PETER HITCHENS: Sneaking suspicion why Rudakubana turned to violence 20.2k viewing now The violent history of father who killed daughter, 14, in ‘playfight’ 9.5k viewing now In the video message released by the charity this morning, Harry said: ‘The WellChild Awards recognise and celebrate the growing number of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom, as well as those who go the extra mile to care for them. Prince Harry WellChild Awards video message ‘The WellChild Awards recognise and celebrate the growing number of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom, as well as those who go the extra mile to care for them. ‘They allow us to shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage that they demonstrate every single day. And this year is especially significant as we celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards. ‘It is a true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community. And to make this happen, we need your help to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you every single day. ‘Your support can make all the difference. Please join us in recognising the amazing individuals who will be honoured at the 2025 WellChild Awards.’ Advertisement Read more caret down ‘They allow us to shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage that they demonstrate every single day. And this year is especially significant as we celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards. ‘It is a true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community. And to make this happen, we need your help to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you every single day. ‘Your support can make all the difference. Please join us in recognising the amazing individuals who will be honoured at the 2025 WellChild Awards.’ WellChild said more children and young people in the UK are living with complex medical needs than ever before, adding that the awards can ‘honour the spirit of these children, young people and the dedication of those that care for them’. Advertisement Entries will be judged by an expert panel including former winners and child health professionals, and the awards will be will be handed out at this year’s event in London later this year. It has not yet been confirmed whether Harry will attend. WellChild chief executive Matt James said: ‘This year marks the 20th WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, a milestone that highlights more than two decades of celebrating the extraordinary resilience of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs. ‘As the number of those facing such challenges continues to grow, the 2025 WellChild Awards provide a unique platform to raise awareness of the immense challenges they face and honour their remarkable spirit. 2021 – Harry at the WellChild Awards at a garden party at Kew Gardens in London in June 2021 + 9 View gallery 2021 – Harry at the WellChild Awards at a garden party at Kew Gardens in London in June 2021 2019 – Harry and Meghan with a winner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in October 2019 + 9 View gallery 2019 – Harry and Meghan with a winner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in October 2019 2018 – The Duke and Duchess at the awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in September 2018 + 9 View gallery 2018 – The Duke and Duchess at the awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in September 2018 ‘They also shine a spotlight on the unwavering dedication of those who support them – from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who go above and beyond to help these remarkable children and young people to thrive.’ Five WellChild Awards nomination categories Inspirational Child or Young Person – A child or young person between the ages of four and eighteen who has demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and achievement while facing significant challenges posed by complex medical needs. This includes but is not limited to instances where the nominee has overcome obstacles, surpassed expectations, or exhibited extraordinary courage and perseverance in their pursuits, thereby serving as an inspiration to others. Inspirational Sibling – Having a child with a long-term complex medical condition can have a huge impact on the whole family; this category is for those siblings between the ages of six and eighteen who despite all the challenges have thrived – this is their time to shine. Nurse – A children’s nurse who goes the extra mile for children and young people living with complex medical needs. Outstanding Professional – A professional who has worked above and beyond for children and young people living with complex medical needs. Inspirational Parent Carer – A parent carer who has gone above and beyond the care they provide for their child(ren) living with complex medical needs and/or has contributed to improving support for families, or awareness of the challenges they face. Advertisement Read more caret down There are five categories for nominations – the first being ‘Inspirational Child or Young Person’, which is someone aged between four and 18 who has ‘demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and achievement while facing significant challenges posed by complex medical needs’. This ‘includes but is not limited to instances where the nominee has overcome obstacles, surpassed expectations, or exhibited extraordinary courage and perseverance in their pursuits, thereby serving as an inspiration to others’. The second category is ‘Inspirational Sibling’ – and the description says: ‘Having a child with a long-term complex medical condition can have a huge impact on the whole family; this category is for those siblings between the ages of six and 18 who despite all the challenges have thrived – this is their time to shine.’ There is also a ‘Nurse’ category for a children’s nurse who ‘goes the extra mile for children and young people living with complex medical needs’. The fourth category is ‘Outstanding Professional’ for someone who has ‘worked above and beyond for children and young people living with complex medical needs’. There is also an award for ‘Inspirational Parent Carer’ for a recipient who has ‘gone above and beyond the care they provide for their child(ren) living with complex medical needs and/or has contributed to improving support for families, or awareness of the challenges they face’. Advertisement At the 2024 event, Harry hailed the group of ‘little legends’ for ‘uplifting all those around you’ despite serious illnesses. The Duke appeared upbeat and relaxed for the evening presentation, and before the ceremony began was upstaged by a boisterous seven-year-old, Noah Nicholson, who threw his toys on the floor and delighted in Harry picking them up. In past years Harry has been joined by wife Meghan Markle but travelled alone to London from their home in Montecito where the couple established a new life for themselves and their children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. The Duke told the young people and their families: ‘Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour. 2016 – Prince Harry reacts as he greets a winner at the awards in London in October 2016 + 9 View gallery 2016 – Prince Harry reacts as he greets a winner at the awards in London in October 2016 2012 – Prince Harry at the awards at the InterContinental Park Lane Hotel in September 2012 + 9 View gallery 2012 – Prince Harry at the awards at the InterContinental Park Lane Hotel in September 2012 2007 – Prince Harry talks with a child at the awards ceremony in London in October 2007 + 9 View gallery 2007 – Prince Harry talks with a child at the awards ceremony in London in October 2007 ‘And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you. The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.’ Harry also spoke about his role as a father in his speech, saying: ‘As a parent, I know a little about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. ‘But, when I hear about the care many of you mums, dads and family members provide; the level of round-the-clock care you offer; the skills you’ve had to learn; and the battles for support that you fight every single day – I am truly in awe.’ Advertisement Nominations for the WellChild Awards 2025 can be made on the charity’s website at www.wellchild.org.uk/nominate. 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