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The WellChild Awards celebrates the inspirational qualities of seriously ill children and young people.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the ceremony along with other notable guests, including England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward, magician Dynamo and presenters Gaby Roslin and Matt Allwright.
Prince Harry delivered his powerful speech to the room, saying: “Every one of you is truly amazing. You have shown all of us what it means to be a champion – whether for yourself, your family, your community, or someone in need.”
The Duke of Sussex then added that he is “especially grateful to be able to share the scope and magnitude of this work with my wife”.
Prince Harry said young people who have been dealt “the toughest cards” but live their lives to the fullest are the ones who lift us up.
He continued: “Your ‘can-do’ attitude and unwavering spirit serves as a constant reminder that we must always look to the positive and never give up.”
Seven-year-old Matilda Booth, from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, suffers spina bifida and is paralysed from the chest downwards.
She handed Meghan a posy of white roses at the ceremony.
Then she was also asked by Prince Harry to “pinky promise” him she would “never stop smiling”.
He said: “Never hide that brilliant smile away.”
After the royal encounter, Matilda’s mother, Sharon, said: “They were just so lovely. It was very exciting. Matilda had watched the royal wedding and was very nervous about meeting them but they completely put us at ease.
“They got down to Matilda’s level and she gave Meghan a posy. But she took one out and handed it back to Matilda and told her to keep it in her memory box. She made her feel so special.
“Prince Harry also made her give him a pinky promise and told her to never stop smiling. He told her she had such a lovely smile. They also wanted to meet Simon, her toy dog. She is inseparable from him.”
Prince Harry has been patron of WellChild since 2007, and enjoys close relations with the charity.
He regularly plays a part in its annual awards and has welcomed both children it is assisting and their families to Buckingham Palace.
So important is the charity to Prince Harry, five nurses were selected by WellChild to attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan on May 19.
Charity chief executive Colin Dyer also attended.
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