Prince Harry gives emotional update on Archie and Lilibet as he returns to UK without them

Prince Harry has given an emotional update on his kids after returning to the UK without them. The Duke of Sussex, 40, who shares son, Archie, six, and daughter, Lilibet, four, with wife, Meghan Markle, 44, was in London for the WellChild Awards on Monday - but his family stayed behind in Los Angeles.

Admitting that he is a lot more "emotional" now he's a father, Harryopened up about his family at the charity event, saying that while he has always been touched by the stories of the seriously ill children honoured at the annual ceremony, things "hit" harder now that he's a dad.

Revealing that everything has changed in his life since Archie and Lilibet arrived, he said: "I think once you become a parent yourself, everything changes."

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Talking to HELLO! magazine, he continued: "It's emotional enough not being a parent and seeing what these families go through, but then when you have your own kids or when you're expecting your own kids, that's when it really hits you.

"And I remember one of these years, I choked up on stage, and that was exactly it. I am so grateful to have healthy kids."

During the ceremony - which marked Harry's first appearance in the UK since April - the former royal hailed the young winners at the event a "beacon of hope and inspiration".

He said: "While we reflect on 20 years of these awards, the truth is that you are the story. You are the reason we gather here. Each of you is a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just to those in this room, but to the nation. Keep fighting. Keep smiling. And above all, keep showing us what strength, courage and joy really look like."

As he met with some of the winners, Harry revealed to 13-year-old Grace Tutt - who was given a Special Recognition accolade and uses a wheelchair following a bus crash - that he and Megan had been watching reality dating competition Love Is Blind and political thriller Hostage when the teenager asked him for Netflix recommendations.

The Duke of Sussex has returned to the UK this week for a series of engagements, with many wondering if he has plans to see his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, during the trip.

Harry - who is estranged from his father and brother - also joked about difficult sibling relationships as he spoke to Declan Bitmead and learned the 17-year-old Inspirational Young Person (15-18) winner had a younger brother.

Harry asked: "Does he drive you mad?"

When told they get on well, he laughed: "You know what, siblings."

And on hearing the brothers attend the same school, he added: "That sometimes makes it more challenging."

Declan has limited eyesight after suffering permanent impairment and the loss of 96% of his skin due to a rare reaction to a common tonsilitis treatment. Making a joke at his own expense, the prince quipped: “I’m bald and ginger, and worst of all, I’ve got a ginger beard — you’re thinking, phew!”

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