Prince Harry met sick youngster and their families at the annual WellChild Awards in London last night.

The 30-year-old royal struck up a friendship with four-year-old Carson Hartley, who has a heart defect and is fitted with a portable ventilator, after the sick youngster ran up to him and wrapped his arms around his legs at the event held at the Hilton in Park Lane.

The flame-haired hunk then exchanged a high-five with the little one, while he chatted to Carson's family about his serious health condition.

Carson's mother Kirsty told the Evening Standard newspaper: "We were worried he was going to high-five Prince Harry in the face he was so excited.

"Harry got down on his knees and had a big smile on his face while he was chatting to Carson.

"He couldn't believe how active he was despite all the conditions he has.

"He said he thought he was inspirational for still being so happy, but he also said that parents must be recognised too for how hard they work, which was really nice to hear."

The prince, who is set to become an uncle for the second time next year, was then given some advice on how to babysit and given a children's DVD.

Martin Bennett, 14, from Colchester said: "I thought with two of them to babysit he might need some extra help, so I gave him a DVD he could stick on to distract one of them. He thought it was a great idea."

The WellChild awards aim to recognise children and young adults who live with serious illnesses, as well as commemorating their families, nurses and doctors.

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