Prince Harry is giving back, out of his own pocket.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, donated $1.5 million to a leading fundraiser for young people in the U.K. to make an impact in a city he’s become closely linked with.
The money for Children In Need, which is also contributing $406,000, will support young people’s grassroots organizations in Nottingham, where he visited on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
It will go towards combating the challenges faced by young people living in areas affected by violence in the city.
Nottingham is a place he has frequently visited over the years, and he wanted to use his trip to the U.K. to pick up on some of his work highlighting the difficulties faced by young people in parts of the city.
The donation was announced as he spent time at the lively Community Recording Studio and caught up with other local group Epic Partners, young people and the area’s police and crime commissioner.
During his visit on Sept. 9, Prince Harry gave a speech in which he stated that he was making a “significant investment” in the community.
“That’s why I’m proud to share that I’m going to make, or I did make, back in December, a significant investment into this community, because I believe in you. I believe what you’re doing. And I made that commitment through or via BBC Children in Need last December, and thanks to their match funding and leveraging this will deliver an extra £300,000 worth of impact, drawing on their expertise, long-standing track record and deep-rooted work in youth interventions and trusted youth work up and down the U.K. through Children In Need,” he said.
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It was the second public stop on his several-day visit to the U.K. It is set to be the longest period back in his home country since the death and funeral of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth three years ago.
Children in Need, a BBC-backed fundraiser and telethon, will use the money to support safe inclusive spaces, where skilled youth workers are able to build positive relationships that help young people discover their strengths and develop their talents. Harry said the organizations supported will help “build trust and offer hope and belonging” to the young people of the city.
“The incredible work being done by grassroots organizations 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 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.”
Thanking Harry for the “generous donation,” Tony Okotie, Director of Impact at BBC Children in Need, added, “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,” he added.
At the CRS, Prince Harry caught up with some of those he had built relationships with when he was a working member of the royal family. He stepped back to start a new life in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020. Trevor Rose from the Community Recording Studio and Pete Bewley from Epic Partners were two organizations that Harry first connected with in 2014 through his work with The Royal Foundation, which he used to share with Prince William and Kate Middleton.
He spent much of his three hour visit with some young people who have been helped by CRS and Epic. He took part in a recording session and took in some of the musical and comedy stage performances put on by young people helped by CRS. He also joined a roundtable discussion with the organizations and the local police and crime commissioner.
Despite relocating to California, Harry vowed on Tuesday that he would maintain his links with the city.
“I’ll continue to stand with you,” he said. “Nottingham has my respect, it always has, my commitment and a permanent place in my heart.”
He added, “For nearly 15 years, I’ve been working alongside communities to tackle violence impacting young people — particularly knife crime, which remains one of the most urgent issues facing this country. During all that time, Nottingham has been a place where I’ve heard harrowing stories, learned important lessons, seen resilience and felt truly inspired.”
Trevor Rose, CEO at CRS, said in a statement, “We believe in the power of creativity and mentorship in changing a young person’s life. The Duke’s visit and this generous donation are a powerful endorsement of the work being done at a grassroots level to positively impact young people’s futures. It’s a reminder that when we invest in young people, we invest in safer, stronger communities.”
Pete Bewley, CEO at Epic Partners, added, “The Duke’s continued support means a great deal to our community. His visit today not only shines a light on the challenges young people face, but also on the power of youth work to transform lives.”
Watch: Prince Harry arrives at Nottingham charity
Will Harry meet his father King Charles?
Prince Harry’s return to the UK has seen him keeping in touch with some of the charities he’s championed over the years.
But there’s another big issue ticking below the surface – and that’s will he or won’t meet his father King Charles?
It’s the family drama below the surface of all these photo opportunities.
Father and son haven’t met face to face since February 2024, soon after the King had his cancer diagnosis.
It’s a divide that Prince Harry talked about in his emotional BBC interview earlier this year, when he said: “I would love a reconciliation with my family.”
There’s been strong speculation that a meeting must be on the cards – particularly after representatives of Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace were photographed meeting over the summer.
If it happens over the next couple of days, all we might hear is an official confirmation about a private meeting. But it will feel as though a page has been turned.
Although if Prince Harry stayed until next week and attended the funeral of the Duchess of Kent, then a meeting might also happen anyway at the family gathering.
Duke met charity leaders during event
Image source,EPADuring his appearance, Prince Harry met organisers from Children in Need, CRS, Epic Partners and Nottingham’s Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss the donation.
Tony Okotie, director of impact at BBC Children in Need, said the charity was “incredibly grateful” for the donation.
“Youth work is a lifeline for many young people,” he said.
“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.”
Trevor Rose, CEO at CRS, said: ”The duke’s visit and this generous donation are a powerful endorsement of the work being done at a grassroots level to positively impact young people’s futures.
“It’s a reminder that when we invest in young people, we invest in safer, stronger communities.”
Pete Bewley, CEO at Epic Partners, also thanked Prince Harry and said his support “means a great deal”.
Huge Prince Harry donation ‘roots him here’
A donation of £1.1m is a huge amount of money from the personal pocket of Prince Harry.
Those who work with him say he wanted to donate an amount that would make a significant difference and really change the way an organisation is run.
Much of the money will go the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham, where Prince Harry visited today.
It’s a place he clearly feels connected to and over the past 10 years has personally seen how it has improved young people’s lives.
Children in Need will help with the distribution of the money – it is the biggest independent funder of youth work in the UK.
What this donation also does is reinforce Prince Harry’s commitment to the UK and the charities he supports. It roots him here.
Will it now also be accompanied by a meeting with his father later this week?
Prince Harry leaves Nottingham
The Duke of Sussex has now left the CRS and has made his way back to a black Range Rover before leaving Nottingham.
Before he left, someone in the crowd asked for a photograph, and Prince Harry headed towards people gathered at the barriers to pose for selfies.
There was a huge cheer from the crowd afterwards, and the duke waved at those gathered outside as he was driven away.
Funding hope after £1.1m donation
The duke added through investing in safe inclusive spaces, skilled youth workers were able to build positive relationships that helped young people discover their strengths, develop their talents and unlock their potential.
It is hoped the funding will help young people find their potential and help communities grow stronger and safer.
Duke hails ‘incredible work’ done by charities
When announcing the grant, the Duke of Sussex said: “The incredible work being done by grassroots organisations like CRS and Epic Partners is not only inspiring – it’s essential.
“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.”
Prince Harry donates £1.1m to Children in Need
The Duke of Sussex has announced that he will be donating £1.1m to BBC Children in Need to support grassroots organisations supporting young people impacted by violence.
During his visit to Nottingham on Tuesday, Prince Harry announced the donation to the BBC programme, which is also contributing £300,000 to the cause.
The funding will support grassroots organisations primarily in the city of Nottingham to “create opportunities, nurture potential and help young people build brighter futures”.
Harry dubbed Nottingham ‘very special’ in most recent visit
Prince Harry’s most recent visit to Nottingham and the Community Recording Studio (CRS) took place in 2019, when he marked World Mental Health Day.
During the visit, the Duke of Sussex described the St Ann’s estate as “a place that’s very special to him”.
He was also captured taking part in a “nurture session” at Nottingham Academy, which aimed to help younger students to discuss mental health and emotional wellbeing.
When Harry introduced Meghan to Nottingham
The Duchess of Sussex joined Prince Harry for her first visit to Nottingham in 2017, shortly after their engagement.
The couple – now married – visited Nottingham Academy where they met students and mentors from the prince’s Full Effect project – which aimed to improve the opportunities for young people and reduce youth violence in St Ann’s.
The school’s head boy and girl cheekily asked the couple for an invite for their upcoming wedding.
Since having their children, Meghan is yet to return to the city.
Harry calls Nottingham ‘unique’ during 2017 visit
In a speech during Prince Harry’s fourth visit in 2017, he described the city as “unique”.
His growing relationship with the city saw him return for the fourth time in four years.
Speaking after handing out certificates to graduates of the Coach Core project – an apprenticeship scheme supported by his Royal Foundation charity turning young unemployed into professional sports coaches – the duke said he wanted those who benefitted from the scheme to create a “ripple effect” in their communities.
Watch: Prince Harry shows off his dance moves at charity
Prince Harry arrived at the charity… dancing.
It set the mood for the rest of the event. He was at the Community Recording Studio in the St Ann’s area of Nottingham – a place he’s visited before. He knew the set-up, knew the staff.
The studio gives young people a place to go, a recording studio to use, an outlet for their creativity and a community to support them.
Prince Harry listened to Paige, who was recording in the studio.
She rapped about the challenges life had thrown at her and how she was working through them all.
Prince Harry looked moved by what he heard.
This was safe territory for Harry – away from the speculation around whether he’ll meet his father and tensions with his family.
This was the charity-focused Harry that we often saw when he was a working member of the Royal Family.
‘Inspirational’ Harry wowed youth actor in 2016
Harry was described as an “inspiration” when he visited the Russell Youth Club in 2016.
The group, which he has financially backed for years, rehearsed for an up and coming acting project in front of Prince Harry.
“His being here gave me a bit more courage and made me want to perform a bit better,” said actress Alisha Leah-Kaur.
“When I do the actual thing – when I perform – I’ll think, I did it for Prince Harry, so I can do it now.
“He’s such an inspiration.”
Watch: Prince Harry shows off his dance moves at charity
Prince Harry arrived at the charity… dancing.
It set the mood for the rest of the event. He was at the Community Recording Studio in the St Ann’s area of Nottingham – a place he’s visited before. He knew the set-up, knew the staff.
The studio gives young people a place to go, a recording studio to use, an outlet for their creativity and a community to support them.
She rapped about the challenges life had thrown at her and how she was working through them all.
Prince Harry looked moved by what he heard.
This was safe territory for Harry – away from the speculation around whether he’ll meet his father and tensions with his family.
This was the charity-focused Harry that we often saw when he was a working member of the Royal Family.
Prince Harry’s first trip to Nottingham
He spent time at Blue Bell Hill Primary School in St Ann’s – an area which, at the time, struggled with youth violence and drugs.
The visit was to show support for four youth projects that were helping to turn around the fortunes of the area.
During his time in the city, he entered the boxing ring with 11-year-old Shabaz before signing a graffiti wall.
Girl an absolute warrior, mum says
Away from Nottingham for a moment, Prince Harry was at the 2025 WellChild Awards in London last night, presenting awards to a number of deserving young people.
Esmée McGlinchey, from Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, was nominated by her mum, Toni McGlinchey, who described her daughter as an “absolute warrior of a little girl”.
The six-year-old was born at 28 weeks and spent her early months in intensive care, requiring surgery on her brain, lungs, and bowel.
She now lives with multiple complex conditions.
In a speech at the event, Harry – a patron for the charity – praised WellChild nurses for “making an enormous difference”.