Prince Harry Announces First Public Engagements Following U.K. Return

Prince Harry is set to participate in his first public appearances since returning to the U.K. later this month.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, will be present at the annual WellChild Awards in London on September 21. He has held the position of patron for the charity since 2007.

“It is always an honor to take part in the WellChild Awards and to meet the remarkable children, young people, families, and professionals whose bravery and determination inspire us all,” Harry stated. “This year holds special significance as we commemorate 20 years of the WellChild Nurse program, celebrating two decades of supporting countless children and families in leading more of their lives at home. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognize that impact, but most importantly, to honor the amazing individuals at the heart of it. Their stories serve as a strong reminder of what can be accomplished through compassion, connection, and community.”

“We are thrilled to welcome our Patron, Prince Harry, to the 2026 WellChild Awards, in partnership with GSK, as we acknowledge the incredible children, young people, and families central to WellChild’s mission,” remarked WellChild chief executive Matt James.

In addition, Harry will be participating in the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards and the launch of the Invictus education program, INSPIRE, in the U.K. later this month, as reported by ITV News and the Telegraph on Thursday, September 10.

According to the Telegraph, Harry will then travel to New York for the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting, scheduled for September 22 to 23.

Us has reached out to Harry’s representative for comments.

This signifies Harry’s first public engagements since he and his wife Meghan Markle returned to the U.K. last month with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, who have already started school in the country.

Earlier in the week, a senior officer from the royal household, Lord Chamberlain, issued a letter on behalf of King Charles III to clarify Harry and Meghan’s royal roles upon their return. The couple stepped back from their positions as senior working members of the royal family in 2020.

The letter described Harry and Meghan, 45, as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” emphasizing that their charitable endeavors “are a personal matter for them both.”

“It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped back from performing representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family,” the letter further stated. “This status, distinct from the State and Royal duties of the working Royal Family, along with the personal freedom it provides the couple regarding financial independence and privacy, will continue to be fully respected.”

A spokesperson for the Sussexes informed the BBC that the couple was “a little surprised not to have been informed” about the letter “in advance.” Harry and Meghan’s team learned about the letter only one hour before it was distributed to government departments and other entities associated with the royal family, the BBC reported.