Harry praises work of parent carers at palace reception

Prince Harry praised the work of parent carers and their efforts to support one another as he hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace.

The Prince met parents who had opted to look after their sick children, at the event, marking the 40th anniversary of charity WellChild, and commented on how they had become care "professionals" in their own right.

The charity, of which Harry is a patron, helps seriously ill young people be cared for at home instead of hospital, wherever possible.

Speaking to parents in the Centre Room of the Palace, Harry said: "I imagine it's one hell of a decision to say I want my children at home."

Among those at the reception were parents behind the #notanurse_but campaign, which aims to give a voice to those juggling the demands of caring for a sick child.

Leanne Cooper launched the initiative in 2015 supported by WellChild to "lift the lid" on the number of families providing home care, using video diaries and social media.

Ms Cooper, whose young daughter Sophie has severe cerebral palsy, said: "Prince Harry actually asked me where to find the Not A Nurse videos so I pointed him in the direction of the WellChild website and the YouTube channel.

"He was asking really what the message was and it's that we want to highlight the amount of medical care families are doing at home and then to hopefully make positive change for families, to get them the right support, so they don't reach crisis point.

"All of our children want to be enjoying life, taking part, going to school, being part of society. But we have to help them to do that."