Princes reunited: William and Harry chat about England's win over Germany at the Euros as victory helps unite the nation... and thaw out icy relations between the royal brothers

As if beating Germany wasn’t amazing enough, the England football team appears to have achieved the near unthinkable.

For it seems the stunning 2-0 victory has helped bring about a thaw in the icy relations between Princes William and Harry.

The warring brothers have barely exchanged a word since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their acrimonious departure from the Royal Family 18 months ago.

But the Daily Mail understands they have been in contact in recent days ahead of today’s unveiling of a statue in memory of their late mother Diana. They are even said to have exchanged a few phone messages over England’s win on Tuesday.

While insiders are quick to stress that it is far from a full-scale rapprochement, it is the most positive sign yet that the estranged brothers will be able to put their differences to one side – for today, at least.

Although they have barely spoken in the past 18 months, Prince Harry and Prince William have shared celebratory messages about England's historic victory over Germany at the Euros on Tuesday when the Three Lions knocked them out with a 2-0 win

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and their son Prince George celebrate the first goal

‘It is still far from good between them,’ the source explained. ‘But there has apparently been an exchange of messages, particularly about the football, which is a step in the right direction, if only to do honour to their mother.’

William, who is president of the Football Association, attended the match at Wembley with wife Kate and their football-mad eldest son George.

Royal insiders have also told the Mail that Harry, 36, has been told how much the family had been hoping to see his two-year-old son Archie again and look forward to his return to the UK soon. It is believed the Cambridges have seen Archie only once or twice since he was born.

The statue unveiling is three and a half years overdue, in large part due to the collapse in relations between the brothers.

England players celebrate after a Harry Kane header put the Three Lions up 2-0 in their match against Germany on Tuesday

Pictured: Prince William, who is President of the Football Association, converses with David Beckham during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium, London, on Tuesday afternoon

Princes William and Harry with David Beckham during a reception organised by the British Football Association in 2010

William, 39, is known to be deeply hurt and angry at the way Harry ‘pressed the nuclear button’ not just on his relationship with the monarchy, but the family itself.

One impeccable source said they ‘highly doubted’ that the two brothers would ever regain ‘even a semblance’ of the closeness they once enjoyed.

‘Too much water has gone under the bridge for that,’ they said. ‘Harry and Meghan’s decision to burn so many bridges behind them and make such terrible allegations against their family in that infamous Oprah interview, knowing they will never be in a position to defend themselves, has taken its toll. What little trust there was has been well and truly destroyed.’

But the source acknowledged there may be some hope the brothers could eventually paper over their schism, enough at least for their children – who are cousins, after all – to develop some sort of long-distance relationship.

‘It would be a great shame if Archie and Lilibet never really got to know George, Charlotte and Louis,’ they admitted.

Prince Harry tells Ed Sheeran how fathering Lillibet and Archie is 'definitely a juggle' and says his daughter is 'chilled' while son runs 'around like crazy' on surprise visit to WellChild Awards before meeting brother William at Diana statue unveiling

By Jemma Carr, Paul Thompson, James Gant and Rory Tingle for MailOnline

Prince Harry told Ed Sheeran that fathering Lilibet and Archie is 'definitely a juggle' as he delighted sick children with a surprise visit to the WellChild Awards this afternoon.

Harry attended the event, which celebrates inspirational young people living with serious illnesses, at Kew Gardens after testing negative for coronavirus following five days of quarantine in Windsor.

The duke - who has been WellChild's patron since 2007 - mingled with the awards' star-studded lineup, including popstars Ed Sheeran and Anne-Marie, with the latter performing three songs for the delighted winners.

At the socially-distanced garden party and afternoon tea, Sheeran was overheard congratulating Prince Harry on the birth of his daughter Lilibet Diana earlier this month.

The singer, whose wife Cherry Seaborn gave birth to their first child Lyra Antarctica last year, said: 'Congratulations, a girl right? We just had a little girl ten months ago now. You're still in the trenches now. How do you manage with two?'

The Duke of Sussex replied: 'Two is definitely a juggle.'

Speaking to award winners later, Harry described Lilibet as 'very chilled', saying she 'seems happy to just sit there while Archie is running around like crazy', Hello Magazine reports.

Today's event was originally scheduled for September, but the organisers changed the date to allow the Duke of Sussex to attend while he's in the UK. Harry flew to London from the US on Friday ahead of his awkward reunion with William at tomorrow's unveiling of Diana's statue at Kensington Palace.

Harry greeted each winner in turn after they accepted their awards on the Sir Joseph Banks Lawn.

Those seen speaking to the duke included seven-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson, who won in the inspirational child category. Carmela - who has Congenital Muscular Dystrophy - helped raise more than £50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK by completing a series of challenges during lockdown, in spite of the physical limitations brought about by her condition.

WellChild award winners who met Prince Harry at the 2021 awards in Kew Gardens

Carmela Chillery-Watson (Inspirational Child 7-11)

Seven-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson has Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. People with Carmela's condition have an average life expectancy of late teens.

Carmela completed a series of challenges during lockdown to help cure her condition and help others like her. These included a 2.6 mile marathon challenge in the garden, a London virtual WalkWithCarmela and a 30-day WonderWomanWalk, completing 300km with her mother.

She helped raise more than £50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Her mother Lucy said: 'Carmela never complained once about her pains and discomforts. Just seeing the fundraising money increase was enough for her.'

Anzah Arwani (Inspirational Child 7-11)

Anzah, 11, from Battersea has complex neurological disorders which affect every aspect of her daily life, from walking and eating to coping with anxiety attacks.

Despite these challenges Anzah is fiercely independent. She has won awards with her frame football team and, having overcome her phobia of water, certificates for her swimming.

Anzah has constantly defied doctors' expectations and, through hard work and determination, can now take a few independent steps.

She has caught up with her peers in her schoolwork and even overcame her anxiety disorder to address a room of 100 people.

William Cuthill (Inspirational Young Person 12-14)

William Cuthill, aged 13, from Angus has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. His condition can cause painful joint flare ups and is a silent and 'unseen' disability.

In the past he has had to undergo multiple treatment regimens and often experienced unkindness at school but always remained cheerful, positive and optimistic.

William has raised more than £5,000 for the Teapot Trust charity, for which he is a youth ambassador.

A keen musician and bagpiper, he often pipes guests into the charity's functions.

Luke Fisher (Inspirational Young Person 15-18)

Luke Fisher, 17, from South Glamorgan, has schizencephaly, a rare condition causing damage to the brain resulting in profound physical disabilities and health conditions.

Luke's condition means he is immobile and is wholly dependent on others for activities of daily living. He has undergone many operations.

Despite all his health problems, Luke has been hardworking and dedicated with his attendance at school.

Luke's nominator, nurse Claire Gamble, said: 'Despite physical limitations, Luke does not allow his condition to hold him back.'

Isaac Vials Moore (Young Carer 4-11)

Isaac is 10, from Crosby in Liverpool and has only ever wanted to help care for his younger sister, Gwen, since she was born with complex medical needs.

He is unfailingly kind and proactive in supporting both Gwen and his mother Cora, who is also unwell, whilst coping with his own diagnosis of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

As well as helping them with many daily activities, Isaac fundraises for charities which support his sister and set up signing classes with Gwen's teacher to make it easier for her peers communicate with her.

During lockdown Isaac helped his mother with Gwen's online learning and adapted his own indoor exercise routine to support his sister's physiotherapy.

The result was that Gwen, who adores her big brother, took her first steps in years.

Gracie Davis (Young Carer 12-18)

Gracie, aged 13, from Greenwich in London, provides invaluable and sometimes life-saving support to her older brother, Alfie, who has Type I diabetes.

Gracie's caring nature and her composure and courage in an emergency, are invaluable to her mum, Sarah, who has multiple sclerosis.

Occasionally Sarah has been at hospital appointments or unwell when Alfie has suddenly become seriously ill.

Each time Gracie has taken everything in her stride and stepped in to administer the urgent treatment Alfie needs.

Rhea Talwar (Special Recognition)

Rhea, 18, from Croydon, was born with cerebral palsy and is now extremely ill, facing life-threatening health crises every day.

Rhea, who is blind, has limited movement and uncontrolled epilepsy.

Despite having to shield for most of the past year, she has recently learned to smile and set up a business making greetings cards.

She has also accomplished so much to support charities, like undertaking sponsored walks in her wheelchair.

For the past five year Rhea has been growing her hair to donate to make wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.

Harvey Eustace (Special Recognition)

Harvey Eustace, aged 11, from the West Midlands, has autism and ADHD.

Struggling during lockdown, Harvey told his mother he wanted to do something nice for the community to help people.

He designed a memory garden for the local park, a place for those who have lost someone and potentially couldn't go to their funeral due to restrictions in place

Harvey got permission and support and held a socially distanced fundraiser at the park.

Now Harvey's design for the garden is becoming a reality.

Becky Bedford (Nurse Award winner)

Becky Bedford, a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Epilepsy and Neurodisability at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has won the Best Nurse category.

Becky was nominated by two colleagues who praised her tireless work over last summer to ensure her complex needs patients who required aerosol generated procedures were treated equally and could return to school with their peers and not be left behind in lockdown.

She networked over social media, led meetings and lobbied for change, writing an open letter to Matt Hancock and Gavin Williamson to ask for clearer and more practical guidance around AGPs in schools.

Dulcie Scott (Volunteer Award winner)

Dulcie Scott, from Gloucestershire, has been named as Volunteer winner of the awards.

Dulcie is a costume supervisor in the world of film and TV, working on big productions such as Downton Abbey.

When productions shutdown at the start of lockdown Dulcie heard that NHS and charity workers were struggling to find scrubs so she bought some fabric out of her own purse and decided to make sets to hand out for free.

She set up a Go Fund Me page, raising over £100,000, and she and her team began making thousands of sets of scrubs and masks which were supplied for free to those in desperate need of PPE.

WellChild distributed thousands of items made by Dulcie and her team to families with seriously ill children across the UK.

Dr Chris Grime (Doctor Award winner)

Dr Chris Grime is a Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

He was nominated for an Award by Sarah Mogan, mother to Harry who is treated at the hospital for complex health needs.

Sarah says she cannot thank Dr Grime enough for the massive difference he has made to Harry's life right from the start.

He has helped Harry live life to the full, making arrangements for his condition to be safely monitored at home to avoid unnecessary trips to hospital and always finding something positive in every situation.

During the pandemic his willingness to go above and beyond to support his patients was particularly appreciated by the family, as he guided them through measures for using PPE at home and advised Harry's teachers on a safe return to school for him.

Anna-Marie McLachlan (Outstanding Professional)

Anna-Marie, originally from Scotland, has supported the Park family in Oxfordshire for the past nine years, in particular looking after 12-year-old Meriel who was born with a rare congenital muscle disorder.

Described by Meriel's mother Camilla as a real-life Mary Poppins, Anna-Marie is so much more than a carer to Meriel.

She has shown exceptional kindness and dedication in her determination to help Meriel achieve all her dreams.

The two share a passion for sport and Anna-Marie, a black belt in karate, has found ingenious ways to tweak all sorts of sports to enable Meriel to take part.

Together they have successfully accomplished several fundraising challenges, including reaching the summit of Snowdon, and written and illustrated a book about this to raise funds for charity.

Addressing the socially-distanced audience, the Duke of Sussex said: 'Since becoming patron of WellChild in 2007, this organisation and the people within it have held an extraordinarily special place in my heart.

'I wasn't a father at the time, and yet the stories of these children and parents transcended that. I didn't need to be a dad to feel the impact of this invaluable work.

'Now as a father of two, I feel all the more connected, inspired and in awe of the resilience of these families, who power through indescribable challenges with the support of WellChild.

'The health of our children, of all of us, could not have been more on the forefront of our minds during the past year.

'And, throughout this time, the WellChild community has set an example for how to show up and act with compassion for each other.

'I could not be prouder to be here, to meet this year's WellChild Award winners, to thank the nurses and doctors for all they do, and to celebrate these amazing families.'

Harry talked to the winners and their families following the awards ceremony. After the event, award winner Carmela took to Twitter to write: 'Thank you so much for one of my best days ever. It was so awesome to meet so many fantastic people. I had an awesome time.'

Rhea Talwar, who is 18 and was born with cerebral palsy, won a special recognition award for setting up her own business making greetings cards during lockdown last year - despite spending most of her time shielding.

Her mother Purabi Lakhani said: 'After everything that Rhea has been through in her childhood, it was wonderful for her to get some recognition from WellChild and what more could we ask than to meet Prince Harry? We are unbelieveably proud of her and have had a day we will cherish forever.'

The event - which was cancelled last year due to Covid - played host to several celebrities, including Amanda Holden, Ed Sheeran, dancer AJ Pritchard and singer Anne-Marie who performed today.

As she left Kew Gardens, Britain's Got Talent judge Miss Holden said: 'It was such a heartwarming day. I met so many lovely children who have suffered.

'It was inspiring to hear how they have coped during lockdown. Everyone loved it when Anne-Marie performed.

'Prince Harry was very much in the background. He let the children take centre stage and made sure it was all about the children'

Miss Holden said she had been invited as one of the children attending the event was a big fan of Britain's Got Talent.

The winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations from across the UK. The awards 'celebrate the resilience of children living with serious illnesses or complex conditions and honour the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to help these children and their families', the charity said.

They won the categories of inspirational child and young person, young carer, inspirational nurse, inspirational doctor, outstanding health professional and volunteer.

At the last WellChild Awards in 2019, which like this year's event was sponsored by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, Harry choked up during a speech as he spoke about becoming a father.

A source told The Sun: 'WellChild is a charity that is very close to Harry's heart and the organisers have moved heaven and earth to make this happen.

'His attendance was kept a complete secret and it was an amazing moment when he surprised those in attendance.

'Harry made sure he spent time talking to as many of the children and their families as possible – as well as care givers who were present at the ceremony.'

Harry left Frogmore Cottage in Berkshire this afternoon and was seen arriving at Kew Gardens in south-west London around an hour later. He spent two hours at the charity event before being driven back to Windsor.

WellChild Chief Executive, Colin Dyer said: 'There are more children and young people than ever before in the UK living with long-term, serious health needs.

'The Coronavirus outbreak has placed these children and families under more pressure than many of us can comprehend.

'The WellChild Awards 2021, in association with GSK, will be a unique opportunity to recognise and highlight the immense challenges they have faced and to celebrate the remarkable positivity, resilience and spirit they have demonstrated.

'It will also help us to shine a light on the dedication of those around them, from siblings, professionals and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help them through such challenging times.'

Winners in the inspirational child category included seven-year-old Carmela who has Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

She helped raise more than £50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

One of the winners in the young carer category was 13-year-old Gracie Davis, who provides invaluable and sometimes life-saving support to her older brother, Alfie, who has Type I diabetes.

The charity said Gracie's 'caring nature and her composure and courage in an emergency' have been invaluable to her mother Sarah, who has multiple sclerosis and has been at hospital appointments or unwell when Alfie has suddenly become seriously ill.

'Each time Gracie has taken everything in her stride and stepped in to administer the urgent treatment Alfie needs,' WellChild said.

Sources claim Harry will hold a 'private meeting' with Prince William after tomorrow's unveiling as reports continue of a simmering rift between the brothers.

Meanwhile it was reported the Duke of Cambridge will visit the statue with Kate Middleton and their children for a private moment ahead of its official unveiling, maybe as early as today.

After taking the stage at the last awards in 2019, which was streamed live on the charity's Facebook page, Harry spoke about how he knew at the previous year's event that his wife Meghan was pregnant.

As he talked about it he choked back tears and had to stop his speech, with host Gaby Roslin stepping in to pat him on the back, before the crowd cheered at him.

Tomorrow Harry will join his brother Prince William, 39, for the official ceremony to mark what would have been their mother's 60th birthday.

The brothers have been separated by a rift that began in March 2019 when William threw Harry and Meghan out of Kensington Palace over the alleged bullying of staff, according to royal historian Robert Lacey.

Sources said they will hold a private meeting after the tribute - dubbed an 'informal' and 'beautiful' memorial - is unveiled, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Harry arrived in the UK on Friday and was staying at Frogmore Cottage where he has self isolated for five days.

Thursday's statue ceremony in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace - where Diana lived, and which is now home to William and his family - will be a small event.

William and Harry, Diana's close family and the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley are among the few attending.

The brothers - who last met in person at Prince Philip's funeral - are understood to have spent 'weeks' working out where to place the statue in the palace.

No details of the statue have been revealed ahead of time, but it is understood to show Diana's youthful and playful character.

Mr Lacey yesterday claimed Harry is ready to admit he's made mistakes out of 'sheer temper' since quitting as a frontline royal but Meghan is 'sticking to her guns' and William believes he's done nothing wrong.

Claims of a rift between the brothers - which ended with the Sussexes breaking up their joint foundation and setting up a new office at Buckingham Palace - emerged in the historian's book Battle of Brothers.

It was published before Harry and Meghan went on Oprah to accuse the Royal Family of racism and claim they were abandoned when the Duchess of Sussex was suicidal and six months pregnant.

Speaking to Newsweek Mr Lacey said he believes Harry is the only one who may be ready to admit mistakes and contrition for his behaviour over the past two years.

But he claims it may not be reciprocated because William and Kate may feel 'vindicated' in having doubts about Harry's relationship.

He said: 'On one side we've got William who doesn't seem prepared to concede anything and on the other side friends have told me that Harry wouldn't mind reconciling and then it's Meghan who is sticking to her guns on this issue.

'It should surely be possible for both sides to say the past is in the past. It's very regrettable that Meghan doesn't withdraw just a little.

Sheeran, who spoke to Harry at the awards today, was seated behind Prince William at the England v Germany match yesterday

Harry looked pensive as he returned to the UK for the first time since his grandfather Philip's funeral in April and was pictured arriving at Kew Gardens in a chauffeur-driven Range Rover

The prince was pictured for the first time back in Britain for the unveiling of a statue in his mother's memory as he was driven from Frogmore Cottage, the home he shared with Meghan before they emigrated

Prince Harry was a surprise guest at the WellChild Awards at the famous botanic gardens in south-west London this afternoon (pictured driving to the event)

Prince Harry spent two hours at the charity event before being driven back to Frogmore Cottage

Prince Harry looked ahead as he was driven out of the event. Sources claim he will hold a 'private meeting' with Prince William after tomorrow's unveiling as reports continue of a simmering rift between the brothers

Prince Harry went on his phone as he was driven out of the event in Kew Gardens today. He will attend the unveiling of the Princess Diana statue tomorrow

In 2019, Harry choked up during a speech at the WellChild awards ceremony as he spoke about becoming a father and was comforted by Gabby Logan

WellChild: Prince Harry's beloved patronage that kept him on after Megxit

WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. Over 100,000 children and young people are living with serious and complex health conditions.

Many require round-the-clock support and can spend months, if not years, in hospital because there isn't the support to get them home.

Through a nationwide network of WellChild Children's Nurses, home makeover projects and family support programmes, WellChild works to give this growing population of children and young people the best chance to thrive – properly supported at home, together with their families.

WellChild was one of the four charities chosen by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to benefit from donations made by the public on the occasion of the birth of their son, Archie Mountbatten Windsor.

Harry remained a patron of WellChild after he lost a large number of his public patronages following Megxit.

There he made reference to his relation with William amid reports the brothers had fallen out in the wake of Megxit.

Prince Harry told the talk show host: 'As I've said before, I love William to bits. He's my brother.

'We've been through hell together. I mean, we have a shared experience. But we're on different paths.

It came as the Duke of Sussex made his first official appearance since landing in the UK last week in a surprise speech at the virtual Diana Award ceremony.

The Duke of Sussex delivered a speech at the award ceremony in a pre-recorded video which appears to have been filmed at his home in California.

The Diana Award is a charity set up to reflect the Princess of Wales' belief young people have the power to change the world.

The charity runs anti-bullying and mentoring programmes and recognises young people's inspirational work.

In a pre-recorded video, the Duke said: 'I'd like to start by acknowledging and celebrating the incredible young people joining us today.

'And wherever you are right now, I want to thank you for being part of this important moment and for being such a valuable asset to your community.

'I'm truly honoured to be celebrating your work, your commitment to change making and the vital role that you've taken on representing a new generation of humanitarianism.'

He continued: 'Later this week, my brother and I are recognising what would have been our mum's 60th birthday, and she would be so proud of you all for living authentic life with purpose and with compassion for others.

'Our mum believed that young people have the power to change the world. She believed in your strength because she saw it day in and day out and in the faces of young people exactly like you, she witnessed a boundless enthusiasm and passion.

'And to see those same values shine through as it has done for 21 years now, The Diana Award carries her legacy forward by putting young people at the centre of our future. And this has never been more important.'

The Duchess of Sussex has stayed in the US with Archie and Lilibet.

Harry added: 'And Meg and I fundamentally believe that our world is at the cusp of change, real change for the good of all. But the question before us is what that change will look like.

'The Covid-19 crisis exposed severe inequities and imbalances around the world. We saw the disproportionate effect of this pandemic on communities of colour, on women, on underserved communities and on less wealthy countries.

'We've seen and unless we take swift action, we will continue to see a disparity in our humanitarian and moral obligation to vaccinate the world.

'There is great need for young leadership and there is no greater time to be a young leader. I believe in you. We believe in you.

And that belief in your own ability to change the world in doing the right thing is what makes you a force to be reckoned with.'

He added: 'To all the 2021 Diana Award recipients thank you for inspiring us with your brilliance, your determination and your compassion, your actions hold the potential to leave a life changing impact. You are putting the 'do's' behind the 'say's', and this is the personification of our mother's legacy.

'To everyone else watching. I'm hopeful that today's Award recipients have inspired you to be part of a future where humanity is cherished, where our communities are supported and uplifted, and where we are considerate and compassionate to each other, both online and off.

'Never be afraid to do what's right. Stand up for what you believe in and trust that when you live by truth and in service to others, people will see that just as they did with my mum.'

For most of their lives, the royal brothers have been close, united by the shared trauma of losing their mother who died aged 36 in a 1997 Paris car crash when William was 15 and Harry 12.

While Harry travelled to the UK on Friday, Meghan has stayed in the US with their two children. Pictured: Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend Commonwealth Day Service 2020

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