The Duke of Sussex met winners of the WellChild awards at a private garden party in Kew Gardens. Harry, who has been a patron of the organisation since 2007, could be seen speaking to families during afternoon tea on the gardens’ Sir Joseph Banks Lawn.

The 36-year-old hailed the remarkable work of everyone involved and said the charity for seriously ill children has an “extraordinarily special place in my heart”.

Harry now has two children, Archie and Lilibet, and he explained how fatherhood has enabled him to feel “more connected, inspired and in awe of the resilience of these families”.

Harry said: “Since becoming patron of WellChild in 2007, this organisation and the people within it have held an extraordinarily special place in my heart.

“I wasn’t a father at the time, and yet the stories of these children and parents transcended that. I didn’t need to be a dad to feel the impact of this invaluable work.

“Now as a father of two, I feel all the more connected, inspired and in awe of the resilience of these families, who power through indescribable challenges with the support of WellChild.”

He added: “The health of our children, of all of us, could not have been more on the forefront of our minds during the past year.

“And, throughout this time, the WellChild community has set an example for how to show up and act with compassion for each other.

“I could not be prouder to be here, to meet this year’s WellChild award winners, to thank the nurses and doctors for all they do, and to celebrate these amazing families.”

This is a developing news story, more to follow.