Matilda, seven, receives rose from Meghan – and ‘pinky pledge’ from Harry

The Duchess of Sussex presented an inspirational little girl with a white rose – as she and her husband honoured the achievements of youngsters battling serious conditions to lead normal lives.

Matilda Booth made the first presentation, giving Meghan a bouquet of white blooms, and in return the duchess picked a rose from the bunch for the seven-year-old, who has spina bifida and is paralysed from the chest down.

The duke and duchess chatted to the youngster when they attended the WellChild Awards – a glittering ceremony recognising the achievements of children and teenagers with serious health conditions and medical staff who care for and treat others with similar illnesses.

Sharon Booth, 47, who lives with her daughter Matilda in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, said after the royal encounter: “Matilda chose the flowers, she was shell-shocked to be given the rose, she said she’s going to put it in her memory box.”

Not to be left out, Harry made a “pinky pledge” with the seven-year-old during a reception before the awards ceremony began, hooking his little finger around the girl’s matching digit.

Mrs Booth said the royal urged her daughter, who wants to be a nurse, to “never stop smiling as you’ve got a beautiful smile”.

When Matilda brought out her soft-toy pug, she told the duke and duchess, who wore a trouser suit by Altuzarra and a Deitas blouse, it was named after talent show mogul Simon Cowell.

Mrs Booth, whose daughter recently turned seven and won the inspirational child award in the four to six-year-old category, said: “Harry said, ‘I can see the resemblance’.”

Meghan’s first appearance at the event saw her interacting with all the winners, sharing jokes, a hug and receiving gifts along with her husband.

Melissa Granger, 15, from St Helens, who has Angelman syndrome which leaves her needing 24-hour care, hugged the royal couple as her brother Jacob, 18, watched.

He was given the most caring young person award for helping to look after his sister.

Harry has been patron of WellChild – the national charity for seriously ill children and their families – since 2007 and regularly attends the annual awards ceremony.

In a foreword for the event’s official programme, he wrote: “This evening, we are celebrating remarkable stories of hope, resilience and selflessness.

“The children and young people you will meet tonight are coping with challenges few of us can imagine, yet they inspire those around with such positivity and determination every day.”

He also highlighted the nurses, consultants and other health professionals “who have dedicated their lives to giving children and young people with serious health needs the very best chance to thrive and flourish”.

The duke said about the growing number of young people living with long-term, complex health needs: “With WellChild’s help they can be cared for at home instead of living in hospital, and families can be properly supported.”