Prince Harry has reflected on the “sometimes challenging” relationship between siblings as he made his first public engagement on his four-day trip to the UK.
The Duke of Sussex made the admission while empathising with inspiring youngster Declan Bitmead, 17, as they attended the WellChild Awards on Monday evening.
Harry had travelled solo to the UK in order to attend the 20th anniversary of the awards which celebrate the achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.
The duke arrived earlier on Monday and travelled straight to Windsor Castle to observe a private vigil for his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, on the third anniversary of her death.
The Duke of Sussex will not meet his brother, Prince William, during his four-day trip to the UK
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Meanwhile, his brother Prince William his wife, Princess Kate, met with the National Federation of Women’s Institute in Sunningdale in tribute to the late Queen.
Kensington Palace has confirmed that William’s diary will be full in the coming days, ending speculation of a potential meeting of the estranged brothers.
Harry has not yet made any direct reference to meeting his brother, nor any other member of the Royal Family, during his visit but did reflect on the “sometimes challenging” relationship between siblings.
The duke made the observations while speaking with Declan Bitmead, one of the youngsters who was present on Monday evening and winner of the inspirational young person 15-18 years award.
Harry discussed sibling relationships with inspiring youngster Declan Bitmead
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During their conversation, Harry quizzed Declan on his family to which the 17-year-old revealed: "I've got a younger brother.”
"Does he drive you mad?” asked the duke with a grin before being informed the pair “get on fine”.
This prompted a laugh from Harry, who added wistfully: "You know what, siblings.”
As the conversation progressed, Declan explained that he and his brother attend the same school.
Harry and the teenager shared a warm conversation
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Harry replied: “That sometimes makes it more challenging."
While the duke did not expand on his remark, it could have been a reference to his own schooling at Eton alongside Prince William.
In their discussion, Harry was told how Declan had been rendered with permanent sight impairment after developing a rare, life-threatening reaction to a common tonsillitis treatment.
Putting a smile on the teenager's face, Harry made a self-deprecating joke that: “I’m bald and ginger and worst of all I’ve got a ginger beard – you’re thinking phew.”
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The duke the delivered a stirring speech in which he celebrated 20 years of the WellChild Awards
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The duke met with several other inspiring youngsters ahead of his speech at the event.
One gave Harry personalised football tops intended as a gift for his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
At the awards proper, Harry delivered a stirring address before the assembled guests.
Harry celebrated overcoming a multitude of “challenges thrown our way” in the speech as he spoke about WellChild’s success.