Prince Harry gave guests updates on his family during a surprise appearance at the Time100 Sports Gala in New York City on Thursday night.
An insider exclusively told Page Six the Duke of Sussex was overheard telling guests at the Gala that his father — who has been battling an undisclosed cancer since 2024 — is “doing great.”
The spy also overheard the royal say his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are “happy” to be home in California after their brief visit to the UK.
Prince Harry (pictured above) made a surprise appearance at the Time100 Sports Gala Thursday.
Getty Images for TIME
The Duke of Sussex (seen above giving a speech at the event) told guests his father, King Charles III, is doing “great” amid his battle with cancer. Getty Images for TIME
“The kids are growing like weeds,” Harry gushed to a guest.
Earlier in the evening, Harry spoke to Page Six on the red carpet, exclusively telling us that “of course” he was upset over England losing to Argentina 1-2 in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
Harry’s appearance at the Time100 Sports Gala came as a surprise, with many guests jumping at the opportunity to speak to the royal.
Page Six obtained video of Harry, 41, meeting New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson, as the two shook hands and posed for photos.
Reps for Harry did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The royal also said his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are “happy” to be home in California. Getty Images for TIME
Harry minged with guests at the gala, including New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson (pictured above). Getty Images for TIME
During the event, he took the stage to deliver a speech about the Invictus Games, which he launched in 2014 to provide a multi-sport event for wounded military service veterans.
“It’s truly an honor to be here tonight to celebrate the power of sport,” the speech began. “I don’t just mean the big wins and historic moments. I mean the tough loses, the sacrifices, the moments that no one ever sees.
“Sport is where you first felt the essence of teamwork and community. It shaped your discipline, your drive and your very identity. It taught you to revel in the challenges and the joy of overcoming or defining the odds.”
Harry told Page Six on the red carpet that he is “of course” upset over England’s loss to Argentina in the semi-finals. Page Six
The appearance came just days after his visit to the UK. BlayzenPhotos / BACKGRID
He continued, “For many of you, sport shaped who you became. For me, sports instilled essential core values from a very young age. But it didn’t shape my identity as a young man; the British army did.”
Harry explained how he felt “lost” when he hung up his uniform, but turned to sports to help him cope.
“Sport isn’t just entertainment and competition; sport is medicine,” he inspiringly said.
Harry (seen at an event in the UK last week) visited his father in the UK last week. Getty Images
Harry’s wife and their children were able to reunite with Charles in a private reunion last week. meghan/Instagram
The most influential athletes in global sports gathered on Thursday, including NBA legend LeBron James, who closed the evening with a speech, NFL icon Russell Wilson, Olympic ice skater Alysa Liu, alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, “DWTS” pro Witney Carson and more.
The gala came just days after Harry’s reunion with his estranged family in the UK. He initially arrived alone after he was denied taxpayer-funded security.
But on Friday, Buckingham Palace announced Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Harry, Markle and their children at Highgrove House. This was the first time Charles, 77, has seen his grandkids since 2022.
Buckingham Palace announced Charles (pictured above at an event in May) and Queen Camilla hosted Harry, Markle and their kids at Highgrove House. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Markle and their children (pictured above with their father) initially weren’t going to make the trip after he were denied taxpayer-funded security. Instagram/@meghan
Markle and the children did not make any public appearances during the visit.
The “Spare” author resigned from his royal duties in 2020 and moved to Montecito, California with his family.
Despite his recent return, he is still estranged from his older brother, Prince William.