Ashely Banjo recalls receiving a touching phone call from Prince Harry at a much-needed time as he opens up about preparing for his most emotional job to date
As Ashely Banjo prepares to host the 26th Pride of Britain Awards later this month, he reveals that as a father himself, some of the inspiring yet heartbreaking stories hit him hard. The 37-year-old joined long-time host Carol Vorderman back in 2021 for his first Awards as presenter, and says tries ‘to hold in’ his emotions on the night, but it’s not always easy.
Each year, he tells OK!, the Awards are supported by an array of celebrities from the worlds of stage and screen, as well as some high-profile members of the Royal Family. One of his standout memories is receiving a special phone call from none other than Prince Harry, who now lives in the US with Meghan Markle and their two children.
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Ashley described the younger royal brother as “lovely”, adding: “He’s very supportive and he had really good things to say to me. The call was in a quite needed moment for me.”
Ashely shares his six-year-old daughter Rose, and five-year-old son Micah, with his ex partner Francesca Abbott, and says being a dad makes him “relate to situations in a completely different way”.
“It definitely makes you more emotional. I think, in general, having children does that to you. It changes your perspective and makes you more knowledgeable. You realise how fragile life can be and how deep your love is for your kids. It humbles you.”
Prince Harry was recently in the UK himself to attend another big date in the charity calendar, the annual WellChild Awards. The Duke has been a patron of the charity for 17 years, and his association is widely regarded as one of the areas in which he shines most brightly.
Just before the ceremony kicked off at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on 8 September, Harry delighted some of the children being recognised on the night by engaging in a balloon sword fight and graciously accepting gifts for his and Meghan’s children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
In one cute moment shared to the charity’s Instagram stories, Harry met with a young girl named Gwen, nine, who showed off her fancy trainers to the royal before engaging in the playful balloon battle.
The youngster also presented Harry with gifts Archie and Lilibet – purple football jersey, belonging to Brighton Hove & Albion team, with his children’s names and ages on them.
“Best gift ever, thank you so much,” Harry responded. “This is so cool, it’s going to make them so happy.”
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