Prince Harry brought some cheer over Easter weekend to families caring for seriously ill children at home.
The Duke of Sussex took part in a video call with the families at home to hear how they are coping through the coronavirus pandemic. The families are supported by WellChild, a U.K.-based charity of which Harry has been patron for more than 10 years.
“Full respect to every single one of you," Harry said, according to WellChild. "This is hard on everyone, but it is especially hard on you."
"I know that WellChild are doing everything they can to support you," he said. "Hopefully, through this video we can make it more clear and obvious to government and everybody else that you are in the ‘vulnerable’ bracket and WellChild needs more help."
Among the families Harry spoke with were a dad whose 21-year-old son is battling cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neuromuscular scoliosis, osteoporosis, chronic lung disorder and type 1 diabetes, and a mom whose 13-year-old daughter has cerebral palsy, dystonia and scoliosis, according to WellChild.
"It is really nice to see you all smiling and happy," Harry told the families. "Keep going, keep the morale up, keep busy, keep being creative, dare yourself to try new hobbies and I hope to see you all again very, very soon."
WellChild published the 30-minute video call between Harry and the families on YouTube.
Harry delivered an emotional speech at the WellChild Awards, an awards ceremony for kids with serious illnesses and their caregivers, in London in October, which he attended with his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan left their senior roles in the royal family on April 1. They are now living in Los Angeles with their 11-month-old son Archie.
Harry told families on the video call that one of the "positives" to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic is "being able to have family time."
"So much family time that you almost think do I feel guilty, but you have got to celebrate those moments when you are just rolling around on the floor in hysterics," he said. "But inventively, maybe half an hour later, a day later, there will be something you have got to deal with."
The Sussexes plan to launch a nonprofit venture named Archewell, but no details have been released. Their last official royal engagement in the U.K. was on March 9, when they attended a Commonwealth Day service with other members of the royal family.
