Prince Harry made a surprise London appearance at a black-tie gala supporting Ukraine, while the Prince of Wales addressed another fundraising ball just six miles away.
The Duke of Sussex attended the United for Freedom gala at the Imperial War Museum, where he smiled and waved to cameras before speaking about Britain’s historic ties with Ukraine and his recent visits to the war-torn country.
The event raised money for charities supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, which entered its fourth year last February.
Harry told guests: “I have seen something in Ukraine that makes it impossible for me to look away. I have met people who have lost limbs, lost homes and lost loved ones – and yet somehow find the strength to rebuild.”
He praised Ukrainians for defending the frontline while continuing to run businesses and schools, as well as developing technology that is changing the nature of modern warfare.
“But their resilience should never become an excuse for the rest of us to tolerate their suffering,” he said. “Ukrainians should not have to prove, year after year, just how much they can endure.
“Their courage deserves more than our admiration. It deserves our resolve.”
Meanwhile, William appeared by pre-recorded video at the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund Rebel Ball at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham.
The event was held on what would have been the 45th birthday of Dame Deborah James, who died from bowel cancer in June 2022.
William described Dame Deborah as “an amazing woman” and praised her positivity and humour in the face of adversity, which she called “rebellious hope”.
He told her friends and family that her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK had achieved a great deal over the past four-and-a-half years, investing in pioneering research that was “giving more people more time with the ones they love”.
“Tonight would have been Deborah’s 45th birthday and I know she would have wanted everyone dancing, celebrating and making memories,” the Prince of Wales said.
The ball was hosted by television presenter Gaby Roslin and included performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and the West End cast of Disco Inferno.
Dame Deborah’s husband, Sebastien Bowen, said the Rebel Ball reflected her energy, courage and ability to bring people together behind causes in which she believed.
The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK supports cancer research and raises awareness of bowel cancer. Dame Deborah launched it in May 2022 with an initial target of £250,000, with fundraising later reaching millions.
The podcast host, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, was made a dame for her fundraising work. William personally conferred the honour during a visit with her family, when she was receiving hospice-at-home care, weeks before her death aged 40.
