Prince Harry has given a rare update on his children Archie and Lilibet while speaking to the winners of WellChild Awards on a video call from his California mansion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were originally supposed to attend the WellChild Awards in-person in London. But after news spread among the family that his grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s health rapidly deteriorated Prince Harry was forced to decline the invitation.
The awards were established to celebrate ill children in the United States. During the call Prince Harry talked to 4-year-old winner of the Inspirational Child award Henry Waines who spent the first 15 months of his life in hospital.
Harry apologised to the young boy for being unable to attend the award ceremony, but Henry assured him it was “alright.”
“You sound just like my son Archie, with that little squeaky voice. I love it,” Prince Harry said.
The young boy tricked the Duke with a knock-knock joke and asked about his children.
“Archie is very, very busy. And Lili is learning to use her voice, which is great,” Prince Harry confessed.
Additionally, Prince Harry talked to WellChild Award winner Isabelle Delancy who was recognised as the Inspirational Young Person for children aged between 12 and 14. Isabelle’s assistance dog in training also made an appearance in the video chat.
“I tell you what, we all need a dog that keeps us calm. I’ve got three in this house now. So, we basically have five children,” Prince Harry revealed.
“I’ve got a black Labrador called Pula, a rescue beagle called Guy. And we got another rescue beagle called Mia.
“And between the three of them, they charge around chasing squirrels and causing all sorts of problems to us, every single day. But they are also emotional support dogs 100% — when they’re behaving.”
Prince Harry has been a passionate patron of WellChild since 2007. It was one of the few patronages he could maintain after he and wife Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in early 2020.