Prince Harry’s emotions took center stage during a heartfelt moment that made headlines after he became visibly emotional while speaking at a public event.

The Duke of Sussex had to pause during his speech at the WellChild Awards, overwhelmed by his feelings. Though he’s no stranger to public appearances, this particular occasion struck a personal chord—especially when he began to speak about his son, Prince Archie.

This wasn’t the first time Harry was seen in tears. In his memoir Spare, he shares other instances where emotions got the better of him. But it was during the October 2019 WellChild Awards—before he and Meghan stepped away from royal duties—that he broke down in front of an audience.

The event, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, celebrated the courage of seriously ill children and their families. Harry, who has been a WellChild patron since 2007, opened up about the emotional significance the event held for him.

Breaking Down While Recalling a Private Moment

Speaking at the event, Harry reflected on their previous attendance in 2018, shortly after he and Meghan had found out they were expecting. At the time, it was a closely guarded secret.

“Last year when my wife and I attended, we knew we were expecting our first child and no one else did at the time, but we did. I remember—” Harry began, before suddenly pausing, overwhelmed by emotion.

Host Gabby Roslin quietly checked on him, offering support as he composed himself.

He continued: “Sorry. I remember squeezing Meghan’s hand so tight throughout the awards and both of us were wondering what it would be like to be parents one day. And more so, what it would be like to do everything we could to help our child, should they be born with immediate challenges or become unwell over time.