Prince Harry released a video message Thursday from his Montecito home, urging the public to nominate “unsung heroes” for the 2026 WellChild Awards, just hours after his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Harry, patron of WellChild for 18 years, praised seriously ill children for their courage and positivity, calling the awards a “magical” celebration of their strength.
Andrew was arrested at Wood Farm on King Charles’ Sandringham estate over allegations he shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. He denies wrongdoing and has not been charged; a decision on charges will be made after the investigation.
The arrest has brought renewed scrutiny to the royal family, with sources describing the situation as embarrassing. Andrew previously lost his military titles and patronages in 2022 and later settled a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre out of court.