Prince Harry has launched the search for Britain's bravest young people by opening nominations for the 2026 WellChild Awards.
The Duke of Sussex, who has served as patron of the charity supporting seriously ill children for 18 years, released a video message urging the public to put forward the nation's "unsung heroes" for recognition.
In his appeal, Harry described the annual ceremony as a "magical" occasion that celebrates youngsters living with complex health conditions who demonstrate "extraordinary joy" despite their circumstances.
The awards aim to honour not only the children themselves but also the siblings, parents, carers and medical professionals who dedicate themselves to supporting them through daily challenges.
Prince Harry has launched the search for Britain's bravest young people by opening nominations for the 2026 WellChild Awards.
|WELLCHILD
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Speaking about his personal connection to the event, Prince Harry 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.
“In their smiles, their determination and their kindness, they show us what strength truly looks like."
The Duke of Sussex continued: "The WellChild Awards is a truly special evening. It's about celebrating these remarkable young people.
“It's about recognising the siblings who so often put their own needs aside to care for a brother or sister. And of course it's about honouring the parents, the carers, the nurses and professionals who give so much of themselves every single day with dedication, love and compassion."
The Duke of Sussex, who has served as patron of the charity supporting seriously ill children for 18 years, released a video message urging the public to put forward the nation's "unsung heroes" for recognition.
|WELLCHILD
Prince Harry also issued a direct plea to the public, saying: "But these awards can only happen with your help. So, 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 for a WellChild Award.
“They might be a friend in a different part of the United Kingdom, or a stranger you see in your community every single week. We want to hear about them."
The Duke of Sussex emphasised that nominating someone goes beyond merely acknowledging individual achievement.
He added: "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."
More than 100,000 children across the UK currently live with long-term, complex health conditions, according to WellChild.
The Duke of Sussex emphasised that nominating someone goes beyond merely acknowledging individual achievement.
|WELLCHILD
Last year's ceremony generated widespread attention, with winners including seven-year-old Esmée, described as an "absolute warrior" after enduring 35 operations, and ten-year-old Gwen, a wheelchair racer with spina bifida.
WellChild Chief Executive Matt James commented: "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."
Nominations span several categories, covering inspirational children aged 4-18, dedicated parents and carers, and exceptional healthcare professionals.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter