Prince Harry comments on Archie and Lilibet’s thick hair, likening it to Meghan Markle’s. | People

Prince Harry’s two kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet weren’t removed from his thoughts eventually month’s ProperlyChild Awards.

According to Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, chief content material officer at Hello!, the Duke of Sussex, 40, spoke about Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, on the occasion on Sept. 30 in London.

“From the moment he arrived in the reception room, he had an infectious energy about him, and there were no airs and graces at all as he chatted animatedly about his own children ahead of the event,” Vokes-Dudgeon wrote for the outlet.

The proud dad shared an anecdote about his children’ hair — one which additionally included spouse Meghan Markle. “Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mother’s thick hair, he told us, self-effacingly, as he marveled that it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers,” Vokes-Dudgeon wrote. 

Harry has spoken about his children’ hair earlier than, particularly its hue. During an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Harry stated of his mom Princess Diana’s Spencer household, “The Spencer gene is very, very strong. I actually really, genuinely thought at the beginning of my relationship [with Meghan] that, should this go the distance and we have kids, that there’s no way the ginger gene will stand up to my wife’s genes — but I was wrong!”

In addition to Harry’s purple hair, all three of Princess Diana’s siblings — Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Charles Spencer — all have purple hair, as nicely.

As he traveled to the U.Okay. for the ProperlyChild Awards and later went on to Africa, Vokes-Dudgeon wrote that “His wonderful wife Meghan was holding the fort, he said, her hands full with not only their two children but also their three dogs, which he joked were not quite house-trained. Not to mention the chickens!”

Vokes-Dudegon stated that Prince Harry was “in his element” on the annual occasion. Harry has been patron of ProperlyChild since 2007, and stays one of many few patronages he has saved since he and Meghan, 43, stepped again from their royal roles in 2020. The WellChild Awards rejoice the unbelievable braveness and achievements of critically ailing kids and additionally highlight the dedication of those that take care of them, from dad and mom to nurses. At the Sept. 30 ceremony, Harry introduced the award for the Most Inspirational Child (ages 4-6) and delivered a speech.

“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all,” Harry stated in a press release. “It is a true privilege to recognize such extraordinary individuals.”

Harry has made attending the ProperlyChild Awards an everyday dedication, attending 12 ceremonies — and typically spending significant time with the kids and their households. Meghan memorably joined Harry for the awards ceremony in 2018 and 2019.

In his speech at this 12 months’s occasion, Archie and Lilibet remained prime of thoughts: “As a parent, I know a little about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting!” Prince Harry stated. “But when I hear about the care many of you mums, dads and family members provide, the level of round-the-clock care you offer, the skills you’ve had to learn and the battles for support that you fight every single day, I am truly in awe.”

Vokes-Dudegon wrote that spending time with the kids being honored on the ProperlyChild Awards is “something that has become even more profound for him since he became a father himself.” (Archie was born in May 2019, and Lilibet adopted in June 2021.)

In addition to the milestone of changing into a father, Prince Harry additionally reached one other essential milestone lately — turning 40 on Sept. 15.

The Duke of Sussex stated that “He was enjoying being 40 and had been told by friends that it was the best decade, so he had high hopes for it,” in accordance to Vokes-Dudgeon.

As he enters a brand new part of life personally, his skilled life is shifting, as nicely. Insiders beforehand informed PEOPLE that, of their public lives, Harry is immersed in philanthropic efforts, whereas Meghan is leaning into entrepreneurial tasks and industrial ventures.

“It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving,” a buddy informed PEOPLE.

A royal insider echoed this sentiment, including, “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals — not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

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This doesn’t imply, although, that the couple aren’t nonetheless collaborating collectively professionally. Case in level: they lately launched The Parents Network, a brand new initiative to assist households impacted by on-line hurt, and insiders verify joint efforts like this may proceed at the same time as their particular person tasks broaden, as “there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work,” the buddy added.

Ultimately, their dynamic displays a balanced partnership, the place particular person passions complement their joint mission. “With their recent trips to Nigeria and Colombia, as well as their foundation-led events, it is still evident they show up together for the causes they jointly support,” the royal insider stated. “What we are seeing is a functional and healthy relationship with two working partners, not the contrary.”