Prince Harry met a WellChild nurse providing vital support for children across the West Midlands during a visit to Birmingham Children's Hospital on Thursday. The Duke of Sussex chatted with Nicky Holt, who became WellChild's 53rd nurse when her appointment was announced in October 2024. Her post is funded by WellChild, and she works as a tracheostomy specialist nurse, providing vital help and support to families with children who require long-term ventilation to help them breathe.
Celebrating 20 years of WellChild
The visit marked 20 years of the WellChild specialist nursing programme, which helps seriously ill children and their families have quality time at home. Harry has been patron of WellChild – the national charity for seriously ill children and their families – since 2007 and regularly attends the annual awards ceremony. During his visit, he also met patient Alec Hill, 12, who has a rare chromosomal condition and a rare immune system disease, along with his parents Kelly and Stuart Hill.
Harry's visit follows High Court loss
Harry travelled to Birmingham days after he lost his High Court claim, made with a group of celebrities, against the Daily Mail's publishers over alleged unlawful information gathering. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed all of the claims directed at Associated Newspapers Limited by Harry and other household names, including Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Sir Elton John. The Duke learned of the ruling on Tuesday at the start of an Invictus Games appearance at Chatham House.
Countdown to Invictus Games in Birmingham
On Friday, July 10, Harry will begin a year-long countdown to the Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham next summer. The event will feature a showcase of new and returning sports, including laser run, pickleball, hybrid athletics, and wheelchair rugby. There has yet to be any suggestion that Harry will meet with the King during his UK visit.
