Prince Harry admits fatherhood has changed him in emotional UK appearance

Prince Harry has spoken candidly about how becoming a dad has transformed his outlook on life. The Duke of Sussex returned to London this week for the WellChild Awards 2025, where he opened up about the emotional impact of fatherhood.

Harry, who shares two children with Meghan Markle, said: “I think once you become a parent yourself, everything changes.”

Speaking to Hello! Magazine, he reflected on how seeing the struggles of seriously ill children hits harder since becoming a parent. “It’s emotional enough not being a parent and seeing what these families go through, but then when you have your own kids or when you’re expecting your own kids, that’s when it really hits you,” he explained.

The 40 year old royal went on to recall how the awards have moved him in the past. “And I remember one of these years, I choked up on stage, and that was exactly it. I am so grateful to have healthy kids,” he admitted.

Harry and Meghan are parents to five year old Archie and three year old Lilibet, who live with them in California. His visit to the WellChild Awards marked his first public appearance in the UK since April this year, drawing plenty of attention from supporters and media alike.

The Duke has been a patron of the charity for many years and has regularly praised the courage of children living with serious health conditions, as well as the dedication of their families and carers. His words this week showed how his role as a father has deepened that connection.

Though Harry has often faced criticism for stepping back from royal duties, his comments struck a softer tone, focusing entirely on the perspective he has gained through raising his own children. For the families at the awards, his honesty about the challenges of parenthood and the gratitude he feels for his children was a reminder of the emotional weight shared by many parents.

The WellChild Awards celebrate the resilience of seriously ill children and the people who support them. Harry’s presence at the event was a notable moment, signalling that despite the distance from his royal role, he continues to hold on to causes close to his heart.

For the Duke, the event was also a chance to show a more personal side. His remarks underlined that fatherhood hasn’t just shaped his private life but also how he approaches his public duties. By acknowledging the struggles of others and connecting them to his own experiences, Harry reminded people that, at his core, he is still a parent first.