Prince Harry has personally donated £1.1 million to BBC Children in Need to support young people affected by violence. The Duke of Sussex announced the substantial gift during a visit to the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham on Tuesday, confirming the money came from his own funds rather than his Archewell foundation.
The duke arrived 45 minutes late at the recording studio in St Ann's after getting caught in London traffic caused by Tube strikes. Harry, who stepped down as a senior working royal in 2020, no longer benefits from blue-light police escorts that would have helped him navigate the travel chaos.
Rare UK visit amid family estrangement
Harry is currently on a four-day solo charity trip to the UK but has yet to reunite with his father King Charles or his brother Prince William. On Monday, he privately laid flowers at Queen Elizabeth II's grave in St George's Chapel to mark the third anniversary of her death, whilst William was just seven miles away visiting a Women's Institute branch.
The brothers remain estranged, with Harry having told how King Charles will not speak to him due to his court battle over security arrangements. The duke has not seen his father face-to-face for more than 18 months.
Supporting grassroots youth work
The donation will support grassroots organisations, primarily in Nottingham, working to help young people impacted by violence. Harry held private briefings with Children in Need, the Police and Crime Commission, and community groups before watching performances from local artists.
"The incredible work being done by grassroots organisations like CRS and Epic Partners is not only inspiring - it's essential," Harry said. "We're grateful for the support of BBC Children in Need in helping change-makers in the city continue their mission to create safe spaces, build trust, and offer hope and belonging to young people who need it most."
Significant charitable impact
Tony Okotie, director of impact at BBC Children in Need, expressed gratitude for the substantial donation. "We are incredibly grateful to the Duke of Sussex for this generous donation," he said. "Youth work is a lifeline for many young people. It makes up around 30% of the projects that we support at BBC Children in Need. So this funding will help us reach even more communities where young people are ready to be heard and supported. Together, we can create spaces where young people feel safe, heard and empowered to build brighter futures."
BBC Children in Need is contributing an additional £300,000 to organisations working to empower young people affected by violence. A spokesman confirmed the donation came from Harry personally rather than his Archewell charity.
Sources of Harry's wealth
Harry's personal wealth stems from multiple sources including a lucrative Netflix deal rumoured to be worth over £100 million signed five years ago. The Sussexes recently revealed a new multi-year contract with the streaming giant for film and television projects.
The duke also serves as chief impact officer at mental health firm BetterUp and previously had a major Spotify deal. He inherited nearly £7 million from his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, plus inheritances from the Queen Mother in 2002 and likely from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in recent years.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
