Prince Harry crossed balloon swords with a nine-year-old girl in heartwarming scenes as he attended the WellChild Awards on Monday evening.
The Duke of Sussex playfully sparred with Gwen Foster, who was attending the central London ceremony that celebrated the achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.
Harry, who is patron of WellChild, arrived at the capital’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, to observe the proceedings, present the Award for Inspirational Child aged 4-6, and deliver a speech.
After posing for photographs upon arrival, the duke then spent time with the children who were in attendance to receive awards.
Prince Harry fenced a girl with balloon swords ahead of his speech at the WellChild awards
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One of them was nine-year-old Gwen Foster, a full-time wheelchair user who was born with spinia bifida and hydrocephalus.
Despite the daily challenges she faces, Gwen is a passionate wheelchair racer, becoming the youngest competitor in the Vitality One Mile race.
The youngster is also a football fan, being a supporter of both Wigan Athletic and Brighton Hove & Albion.
Gwen’s inspiring competitive spirit was seen when she playfully took up arms against Prince Harry, duelling him with balloon swords.
The duke was in a playful mood as he spared with inspirational child Gwen Foster
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the duke struck a pose as he crossed swords with the young girl, to the delight of all present.
In another sweet moment, Gwen brought presents for Harry's two children, Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4.
The nine-year-old gave Harry customised football shirts, featuring the Sussex children's names.
Prince Harry was visibly enamoured with the gifts and thanked Gwen for her generosity.
Gwen touching gave Harry presents for his children, Archie and Lilibet
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Tonight's ceremony marks the 20th anniversary of WellChild, with the duke having attended 14 of the previous ceremony's.
Ahead of his appearance, Harry said: “I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit.
"For 20 years these Awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals - who support them every step of the way.
"Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community," the duke concluded.
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Prince Harry made his first major public appearance at the awards since returning to the UK on Monday
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Before attending the WellChild Awards, Prince Harry acknowledged the third anniversary of the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Earlier today, sources close to the royal confirmed that the prince has left Windsor, where he laid a wreath and flowers at his grandmother’s resting place.
Harry was keen to privately pay his respects to the late Queen, three years after her death on September 8, 2022.