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Watch: Prince Harry tears up during speech about becoming a parent

Prince Harry teared up on Tuesday night while speaking about becoming a parent during the WellChild Awards.

The Duke of Sussex, 35, attended the annual awards with wife Meghan Markle, 38.

The first-time father, whose son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on 6 May, is a patron of the WellChild charity, which helps seriously ill children.

He began: “Last year, when my wife and I attended, we knew we were expecting our first child – no one else did at the time, but we did – and I remember…”

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (R) stands alongside television presenter Gaby Roslin as he delivers a speech during the annual WellChild Awards in London on October 15, 2019. - WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. The WellChild Awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country's seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who care for and support them. (Photo by TOBY MELVILLE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Harry stands alongside television presenter Gaby Roslin as he delivers his speech at the annual WellChild Awards. (Getty)
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pose for a photograph with award winner William Magee during the annual WellChild Awards in London on October 15, 2019. - WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. The WellChild Awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country's seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who care for and support them. (Photo by TOBY MELVILLE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph with WellChild Award-winner William Magee. (Getty)

Harry could barely finish his words before choking up with tears and taking a pause.

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The moment prompted a collective “aww” from the audience, who began clapping in response to Harry’s heartfelt emotional display. Gaby Roslin, Harry’s co-host at the event, came over to comfort the prince.

“I remember squeezing Meghan’s hand so tight during the awards, both of us thinking what it would be like to be parents one day,” he continued.

“And more so, what it would be like to do everything we could to protect and help our child should they be born with immediate challenges or become unwell over time.”

“And now, as parents, being here and speaking to all of you pulls at my heartstrings in a way I could have never understood until I had a child of my own.’

The moment has been met with positivity on social media, with comments ranging from “What a wonderful genuine speech” to “empathetic and emotional”.

Photo by: KGC-09/STAR MAX/IPx 2019 10/15/19 Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the annual WellChild Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, where they praised the courage of seriously ill children and their families, and thanked those who care for and support them.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the annual WellChild Awards. [Photo: AP]

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The Duke regularly works with young people. Last week, Prince Harry told students he’s “not sure how much longer exams will be around” during a visit to a school in Nottingham to mark World Mental Health Day.

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