Duke of Sussex pledges £1.1m of his own money to help vulnerable young people in the UK

Prince Harry has announced a £1.1 million personal donation to BBC Children in Need during a rare return to the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex, visiting Nottingham on Tuesday, said the gift was drawn directly from his own finances and not from his Archewell foundation.

The donation will support projects tackling violence that affects young people, with Harry highlighting the work of grassroots organisations such as the Community Recording Studio (CRS) and Epic Partners. “The incredible work being done by grassroots organisations like CRS and Epic Partners is not only inspiring – it’s essential,” he said. “We’re grateful for the support of BBC Children in Need in helping changemakers in the city continue their mission to create safe spaces, build trust, and offer hope and belonging to young people who need it most.”

Arriving at CRS in St Ann’s around midday, Harry was greeted by a crowd of about 100 well-wishers, many of them cheering and calling his name. One member of the public shouted, “Harry, you brought the sunshine with you,” prompting the Duke to laugh before warmly greeting CRS’s chief executive with a handshake and hug.

Inside the community hub, Harry spoke to young people about their experiences and watched a series of live performances. The venue holds special significance for him: it was the site of his visit for World Mental Health Day in October 2019, just months before he and his wife Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to North America.

Harry’s return to the city comes as part of a wider programme of engagements during his short stay in Britain. On Monday, he attended the WellChild Awards in London in his role as patron, meeting inspirational young people with serious health conditions and their families. Earlier that day, he made a private visit to St George’s Chapel at Windsor to lay a wreath at the grave of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, marking the anniversary of her death in 2022.

The Duke’s latest appearance reflects his ongoing commitment to youth causes in the UK, despite his relocation abroad. He stressed that supporting children in vulnerable communities was a personal priority. “Creating safe environments for young people is not just about reducing harm – it’s about giving them opportunities to thrive and a sense of belonging,” he said.

The £1.1 million pledge is expected to provide a significant boost for Children in Need projects working on the frontlines of youth violence. BBC Children in Need has long partnered with local initiatives in Nottingham and other cities, funding programmes that combine creative expression, mentorship, and safe spaces for young people at risk.

Harry’s donation also comes at a time when his relationship with the UK remains under close scrutiny. This is his first trip back since losing a court case against the Home Office over security arrangements for himself and his family while in Britain. His return has been marked by both public enthusiasm and continued debate over his role outside the Royal Family.

For those in Nottingham, however, the focus was firmly on his generosity and engagement. Community leaders praised the Duke’s willingness to lend his voice, influence, and money to causes often overlooked in national debates.

As the young performers at CRS wrapped up their set and Harry chatted with them about their ambitions, the atmosphere was a mixture of excitement and gratitude. For many, his presence – and his sizeable personal donation – served as a reminder that, even from afar, the Duke of Sussex intends to leave a lasting mark on the communities he once served as a working royal