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PRINCE Harry last night told a seriously ill girl to "never stop smiling" in a heartwarming exchange as he and Meghan Markle attended an event for sick kids.

Harry and his wife played with balloons and chatted to award winners from his charity WellChild.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid tribute to seriously ill kids at a star-studded award ceremony, where he told Matilda Booth, 7, to "never stop smiling"
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid tribute to seriously ill kids at a star-studded award ceremony, where he told Matilda Booth, 7, to "never stop smiling"Credit: PA:Press Association

And in one touching moment he told Matilda Booth, 7, who suffers from spina bifida "to never hide that brilliant smile away".

After being given a white rose by Meghan, beaming Matilda then made a pinky promise with the prince and Meg that she would keep smiling.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined children, parents, carers and celebrity supporters at the WellChild bash in central London.

Harry has been a patron of WellChild - a national charity for seriously ill kids - since 2007.

Prince Harry entertained kids at the charity bash
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Prince Harry entertained kids at the charity bashCredit: PA:Press Association
He even let one sick kid play with his tie
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He even let one sick kid play with his tieCredit: PA:Press Association
He paid tribute to the 'inspirational' kids and their carers
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He paid tribute to the 'inspirational' kids and their carersCredit: PA:Press Association
The Royal pair grinned as they posed with all the winners
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The Royal pair grinned as they posed with all the winnersCredit: PA:Press Association
Matilda and Meghan made a pinky promise that she would keep Harry's promise
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Matilda and Meghan made a pinky promise that she would keep Harry's promiseCredit: PA:Press Association
Meghan also stopped to chat with the recipients
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Meghan also stopped to chat with the recipientsCredit: AP:Associated Press
The pair paid tribute to seriously ill kids, including Mckenzie Brackley, after arriving at the star-studded bash yesterday
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The pair paid tribute to seriously ill kids, including Mckenzie Brackley, after arriving at the star-studded bash yesterdayCredit: PA:Press Association
The pair were in high spirits as they got to meet the brave children at Harry's charity WellChild
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The pair were in high spirits as they got to meet the brave children at Harry's charity WellChildCredit: Reuters
In 2014 Chloe, now aged 10, became the first disabled child in the UK to pass her pre-primary ballet award with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance
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In 2014 Chloe, now aged 10, became the first disabled child in the UK to pass her pre-primary ballet award with the prestigious Royal Academy of DanceCredit: WellChild

But it was 10-year-old Chloe Henderson who asked the royals the golden question - what is their favourite Disney film?

Harry laughed as he told Chloe that Meghan has "always loved the Little Mermaid" whilst Meghan replied that Harry's favourite is the Lion King.

Harry proved just how much he loves the film by showing of his knowledge to an impressed Chloe

He added: "You know who does the voice of Zazu? Rowan Atkinson, who plays Mr Bean."

The Duke then told Chloe and her older sister Hana, who was accompanying her: "We want to come round to your house for movie night."

Award winner Scarlett, 10, cares for her older sister Freya, who is severely disabled
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Award winner Scarlett, 10, cares for her older sister Freya, who is severely disabledCredit: WellChild
Harry congratulations award winner Jake, 12, who has spinal muscular atrophy
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Harry congratulations award winner Jake, 12, who has spinal muscular atrophy
The Duke and Duchess chat with award winner Evie, 16, born with spina bifida
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The Duke and Duchess chat with award winner Evie, 16, born with spina bifidaCredit: WellChild

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"You'd be very welcome," Chloe replied.

In a speech Harry paid tribute to all the kids, carers, nurses, doctors and hospital staff who helped care for the inspirational children.

He said: "Every one of you is truly amazing. You have shown all of us what it means to be a champion – whether for yourself, your family, your community, or someone in need.

"The stories that we’ve all just heard – of resilience, strength of spirit, and the power of working together – were without doubt, incredibly moving and motivating.

Jacob cares for his sister Melissa, who has Angelman syndrome, which leaves her in need of 24 hour care
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Jacob cares for his sister Melissa, who has Angelman syndrome, which leaves her in need of 24 hour careCredit: WellChild
Jamie suffers from a number of problems that affect his intestine - but this did not stop him completing the 2017 Parallel London 1K Super Sensory Run
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Jamie suffers from a number of problems that affect his intestine - but this did not stop him completing the 2017 Parallel London 1K Super Sensory RunCredit: WellChild
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the WellChild Awards
Prince Harry even made a balloon dog for one kid
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Prince Harry even made a balloon dog for one kidCredit: AP:Associated Press

They really sum up what WellChild is all about – giving families the best chance to care for their children at home, and supporting them through the reality of all that that entails."

The ceremony will celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of Britain's sickest children and their carers.

Winners this year include brave Matilda who is paralysed from the chest down and has endured more than 40 operations.

She has been praised for her "great zest for life" and her "courage, strength and determination".

The Duchess of Sussex wowed in a black pantsuit
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The Duchess of Sussex wowed in a black pantsuitCredit: AP:Associated Press
Today marks Meghan's first appearance at the emotional awards ceremony
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Today marks Meghan's first appearance at the emotional awards ceremonyCredit: ©Max Mumby
The WellChild awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of Britain's sickest children and their carers
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The WellChild awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of Britain's sickest children and their carersCredit: ©Karwai Tang
Lucy Mecklenburgh showed off a pair of turquoise trousers
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Lucy Mecklenburgh showed off a pair of turquoise trousersCredit: Doug Peters/EMPICS
Corrie actress Georgia Maye Foote also dressed in all black
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Corrie actress Georgia Maye Foote also dressed in all blackCredit: ©Karwai Tang

Also hailed as inspirational was Mckenzie, from Fife, who had to learn to speak, swallow, eat and drink and move again due to acute flaccid paralysis.

She was praised for being there for other children when they are scared or sad.

WellChild said: "Despite his own problems Mckenzie cheers up everyone when they are low, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face".

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