Watch: Prince Harry tears up during speech about becoming a parent
Prince Harry teared up on Tuesday night while speaking about becoming a parent during the WellChild Awards.
The Duke of Sussex, 35, attended the annual awards with wife Meghan Markle, 38.
The first-time father, whose son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on 6 May, is a patron of the WellChild charity, which helps seriously ill children.
He began: “Last year, when my wife and I attended, we knew we were expecting our first child – no one else did at the time, but we did – and I remember…”
Harry could barely finish his words before choking up with tears and taking a pause.
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The moment prompted a collective “aww” from the audience, who began clapping in response to Harry’s heartfelt emotional display. Gaby Roslin, Harry’s co-host at the event, came over to comfort the prince.
The Duke of Sussex delivers his speech at the #WellChildAwards, in association with @GSK. To see the full speech, head over to our Facebook page. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/snzrpcnlYh
— WellChild (@WellChild) October 15, 2019
“I remember squeezing Meghan’s hand so tight during the awards, both of us thinking what it would be like to be parents one day,” he continued.
“And more so, what it would be like to do everything we could to protect and help our child should they be born with immediate challenges or become unwell over time.”
“And now, as parents, being here and speaking to all of you pulls at my heartstrings in a way I could have never understood until I had a child of my own.’
The moment has been met with positivity on social media, with comments ranging from “What a wonderful genuine speech” to “empathetic and emotional”.
Just got to hear this properly..omg Harry, im crying. 😢
— Melanie Smith🎥📺👑🌺 (@SleepyInAtl) October 15, 2019
What a wonderful GENUINE speech, I was crying and it reminds me of my mother saying count your blessings. Well done @WellChild and all participants,parents & support staff. Wish you all all the best❤
— Miriam088 (@Miriam0882) October 15, 2019
The Duke is so empathetic and emotional. Feeling the pains of all parents going through that challenging situation.Well done WellChild.
— Theresa Evwierhoma (@TheresaEvwierh1) October 16, 2019
This is a quietly stirring speech. Well stated because it was heartfelt. 💕💕🌹
— Sharon Taylor (@SharonAndrea) October 16, 2019
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The Duke regularly works with young people. Last week, Prince Harry told students he’s “not sure how much longer exams will be around” during a visit to a school in Nottingham to mark World Mental Health Day.
