Prince Harry has shared an update on his children Archie and Lilibet during an emotional video call with winners of an awards ceremony.
Harry and wife Meghan Markle had been due to attend the WellChild Awards in London last month during their trip to the UK. However, the royal couple had to pull out of going to awards, run by a charity that helps seriously ill children, as Harry ended up racing to Balmoral following the death of his grandmother the Queen. But to fulfil his promise to meet the prize-winners, Harry held a video call with them and their families to apologise for not being able to attend the ceremony and to congratulate them on their awards.
One young boy that the prince spoke to during the call was four-year-old Henry Waines, who suffers from serious health problems, and his parents.
During the chat, Harry apologised to the youngster for not being able to present his award and the young boy told him "That's alright".
And Harry added: "You sound just like my son Archie really. The same little squeaky voice. I love it."
Henry then took the opportunity to ask the royal about his two young children Archie, three, and one-year-old Lilibet.
And Harry beamed as he gave an update on the youngsters saying: "They are doing great.
"Archie is very very busy and Lili is learning to use her voice, which great!"
Elsewhere in the call, Harry chatted to 10-year-old Shakeerah Crowther, a survivor of a rare brain infection, and attempted some sign language with her.
The youngster signed, telling Harry, who looked visibly moved: "I'm sorry about your grandmother the Queen."
He then asked her about the giraffe balloon behind the sofa she was sitting on and revealed: "How long have you had that giraffe for? Because Archie's got a giraffe as well and it’s lasted a very long time. And we call him Gerald."
Meanwhile, in another part of the call, Harry talked to Evelyn Rodger, a children's hospice nurse whose role was funded by the Princess Diana memorial fund.
She told the prince: "I think your mum would be very proud of what that money has achieved. And I also think as a mum she'd be very proud of you, Harry.”
And an emotional looking Harry replied: "That's very sweet, thank you."
Harry has been patron of WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children and their families, since 2007 and despite stepping down as a working royal has maintained his links with the organisation.
WellChild chief executive, Matt James said: "Our remarkable winners and their families were delighted to have this additional chance to celebrate their achievements, particularly as this year’s event ran under unique circumstances.
"The Duke recognised the immense challenges faced by children and young people who face serious ill health with positivity, resilience, and courage and the dedication of those around them, from siblings, professionals and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help them through such challenging times."
