Prince Harry & Duchess Meghan Share Baby Joy at Event Close to Harry's Heart

Prince Harry has called it one of the most important events on his calendar, and last night’s inspiring Endeavour Awards proved just why the evening is so important to him.

Joined by wife Duchess Meghan, who stunned in a bespoke Givenchy dress, Prince Harry spent Thursday evening alongside his close network of military veterans, friends made from his years championing causes that help servicemen and women.

The charity awards, which honor wounded, injured, and sick military personnel who have used sport and adventure to aid their recovery, were, as Harry told one guest, “an important chance to shine a spotlight on the stories that really matter.”

In a week where the Duchess of Sussex faced more criticism from the British tabloids—this time for simply having friends who defended her against a never-ending onslaught of untrue and negative reports—his words could not have been more apt.

After arriving at London’s grand Drapers’ Hall for the glittering ceremony, the couple spent time working the room at a pre-ceremony reception. And while guests feasted on mini appetizers served in bowls and sipped wine, the couple stuck to business (and still water!) as they chatted to nominees, key Endeavour Fund supporters, and friends of the Royal Foundation.

As the couple made their way around the venue’s grand Court Room, Harry was seen proudly gesturing to his wife’s seven-months-pregnant bump while telling a guest, “There’s a heavy baby in there!” Meghan followed by sharing, “He’s going to be the best dad.”

Former Corporal Kelly Ganfield, who later in the evening won the Recognizing Achievement award, tells BAZAAR.com, “Prince Harry is the voice of Forces. He knows how it works, he served. You can’t talk military life if you don’t know it, if you haven’t been in it or if you’re not surrounded by it. He gets what it’s all about—family, friends, colleagues. And the duchess brings diversity—in a very lovely way. They work very well together and I think they really complement each other with the work that they are doing.”

Ganfield, who was medically discharged in 2005 and suffers from visual impairment and epilepsy, says the duke and duchess will make perfect parents. She adds, “I first met them at Bath University when they visited [for the Invictus Games UK team trials in March 2018] and I happened to have my daughter and wife with me … they’re really lovely. The duchess had a little bit of a thing for my daughter—they really got on. [My daughter] even made me a painting at nursery to give to the couple today. They’re both so kind.”

Both Harry and Meghan are well-versed in the stories of each nominee at the awards ceremony, having spent a day last month deliberating over the winners as part of the Endeavour Awards judging panel.

But while the awards are important, Meghan made it clear in a unscripted speech that every brave nominee’s achievements are helping the cause. “Harry and I were talking to all the nominees and in speaking to one of them, he said … ‘Well yeah, it’s not about us, it’s about the ripple effect.’ … But what I reminded him—and I feel is true about all of the nominees—is you don’t have that ripple effect unless each of you is brave enough to make that first wave.”

“You don’t have that ripple effect unless each of you is brave enough to make that first wave.” —The Duchess of Sussex

“It’s so important to remember that, because what you’re doing is inspiring so many people,” the duchess said. “So thank you from all of us for being that inspiration and congratulations to all the nominees.”

Meghan went on to present the Celebrating Excellence prize to former paratrooper Nathan Forster, who, in 2011, was seriously injured in Afghanistan while serving with the Parachute Regiment, but has gone on to fly commercial plans with the Flying for Freedom organization.

Harry followed Meghan by presenting the Henry Worsley award to retired RAF Squadron Leader Shaun Pascoe, who founded the Turn to Starboard charity that helps recovering veterans through sailing courses.

The duke said in a speech, “Thank you for once again reminding us what can be achieved by the human spirit, regardless of what barriers your bodies and the world has put in your way.

“Your stories and achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary,” Hary continued. “The resilience, determination and strength you have displayed in your careers, and over the past year with the Endeavour Fund, have been an inspiration to all of us here tonight and most importantly, your families and everyone who looks up to you.”

As guests continued the post-ceremony celebrations, Harry and Meghan quietly slipped away around 9:30 p.m., leaving after an uplifting and inspiring evening. David Wiseman, the Royal Foundation’s Head of Armed Forces and close friend of Harry, told reporters, “Often we see members of the royal family only at events like this when they’re the figurehead and they’re out in front. But what people don’t see is the hard work they do in the background—the real active involvement that their royal highnesses take in these programs that they’re really passionate about. So it’s not just about tonight. It’s about the work they’re doing behind the scenes too.”

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