Meghan skips WellChild Awards as Harry attends

Prince Harry has attended the WellChild Awards 15 times, and the ceremony is described as a significant part of his annual programme.
Harry said the awards are “a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, connection and community,” praising the courage and determination of the children, families and professionals involved.
During the ceremony, Harry is expected to meet the year’s winners, their families, carers and health professionals to hear about their experiences supporting children with serious and complex health needs.
At the 2025 WellChild Awards, Harry flew from California to attend and marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death by visiting her tomb at Windsor Castle, where he laid a wreath and flowers.
Prince Harry attended the WellChild Awards in London without Meghan Markle, marking his continued commitment to the charity he has supported for nearly two decades. People reported the event on Monday, September 21, as his third public appearance since the couple returned to the UK in late August. Meghan's absence fueled speculation about her public plans, though she is reportedly seeking to resume work with UK-based charities.
Harry has been WellChild's patron since 2007 and has attended the Awards 15 times, making the ceremony a cornerstone of his annual schedule. Yahoo News noted this marked a significant continued presence at an event celebrating seriously ill children and the professionals who care for them. This year's ceremony highlighted the 20th anniversary of WellChild's Nurse program, which supports families managing complex medical needs at home.
Prince Harry called the WellChild Awards Express reports, "a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, connection and community." He praised the courage and determination of the children, families, and professionals involved in the program. At Monday's ceremony, Harry met this year's winners and heard their stories about supporting children with serious and complex health needs.
The Duke of Sussex has made the Awards a priority for nearly 18 years, demonstrating his deep personal investment in the charity's mission. East Lothian Courier documented his attendance at the event without his wife, while Matt James, WellChild's chief executive, was present to oversee the ceremony recognizing the year's most inspiring young patients and caregivers.
Meghan did not attend the WellChild Awards despite early speculation that the event could mark her first public outing since returning to the UK. Oxford Mail reported she has not been seen at a public event since August, raising questions about when she will resume her royal duties and charitable work. Sources suggest she is exploring opportunities to work with UK-based charities on her own terms.
The Duchess has also skipped Harry's recent Invictus Games engagements, signaling a shift in how the couple manages their public and private schedules. Her continued absence from high-profile events suggests she is taking a deliberate pause before re-entering public life, rather than making joint appearances with her husband at his signature charity events.
The WellChild Awards recognize seriously ill children, their families, caregivers, and health professionals who demonstrate exceptional courage and compassion. The 20th anniversary of the WellChild Nurse program highlighted at this year's ceremony marks two decades of supporting families caring for children with complex medical conditions at home. Harry's consistent attendance underscores the event's importance to his charitable mission.
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