Dancer and TV star Ashley Banjo has revealed the touching moment he received an unexpected call from Prince Harry, a gesture that came, in his own words, “at quite a needed moment”.
As Pride of Britain gears up for its 26th annual ceremony that celebrates everyday heroes, co-host Ashley has opened up about the emotional toll the event takes, and the unexpected phone call that helped lift his spirits during a particularly difficult moment.
The Diversity star, 37, has co-hosted the prestigious awards alongside fellow TV star Carol Vorderman since 2021.
Ashley Banjo reveals phone call from Prince Harry
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Ashley said the call came as a complete surprise, but one that left a lasting impression.
“He’s very supportive and he had really good things to say to me,” Ashley shared about Harry. “The call was at quite a needed moment for me. [He was] lovely.”
The Britain’s Got Talent star, who has two young children, explained that Prince Harry’s warmth and sincerity stood out immediately.
Ashley didn’t go into detail about the circumstances behind the call.
He’s very supportive and he had really good things to say to me.
He also spoke about meeting the inspirational children going through tough battles as part of his role on Pride of Britain.
“It definitely makes you more emotional. I think, in general, having children does that to you,” he admitted. “You realise how fragile life can be and how deep your love is for your kids. It humbles you.”
The Duke of Sussex, immediately based in California with Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has remained a strong advocate for mental health through projects such as the Invictus Games and the WellChild Awards.
Just last month, Harry returned to the UK to attend the annual WellChild Awards in London, where he personally met and comforted several young honourees. His warm and approachable nature was on full display.
While chatting with one of the children, Harry laughed as they engaged in a playful balloon sword fight.
Gwen, nine, then handed him two personalised Brighton & Hove Albion football jerseys for Archie and Lilibet. “Best gift ever,” Harry smiled. “This is so cool. It’s going to make them so happy.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle travel to New York
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle travelled to New York City last week for World Mental Health Day.
On October 10, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended Project Healthy Minds’ annual festival, where their Archewell Foundation sponsored three panels focused on digital safety, youth mental health, and community healing.
In the opening session, Harry delivered an emotional speech warning of the damaging effects of the digital world on young people.
“Young people are exposed to relentless comparison, harassment, misinformation,” he said, calling mental health “a community responsibility”.
The couple had also been honoured the night before at the Project Healthy Minds Gala, where they were named Humanitarians of the Year. In their joint speech, they spoke passionately about creating safer digital spaces and breaking mental health stigmas.
Read more: Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed they were pregnant at Princess Eugenie’s wedding
While in the city, Harry and Meghan reportedly shared a quiet lunch with close friend Serena Williams at Soho House.
Through Archewell, the pair continue to advocate for global mental health, with a special focus on the challenges facing young people in the digital age.
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