Prince Harry appears has left an audience in stitches with a joke about the “challenges” of parenting at this evening’s WellChild Awards.

During his speech, Harry subtly mentioned his two children, Prince Archie, four and two-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Making the audience laugh, Harry said: “As a father of two – and three dogs, so basically five – I’m acutely aware of the many joys and challenges that come with parenting.

“And that’s with kids who aren’t facing health challenges. So to the parent carers in the room, you have my sincerest admiration and respect.”

Harry shares little Archie and Lilibet with his wife, Meghan Markle.

Harry arrived in the UK earlier today, his first stop before travelling to Germany for the start of the Invictus Games on September 9.

Harry’s latest visit to the UK is the first time the royal had been seen in the UK since his high-profile legal case at the High Court against Mirror Group Newspapers earlier in the year.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pulled out of their appearance at last year’s event due to the late Queen’s death earlier that day.

This year’s WellChild Awards is also being held on the eve of the first anniversary of the late Queen’s death.

He said: “As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year as my grandmother passed away.

“As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist I still come to be with you all instead of going to her, and that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight – happy we are together – continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”

It remains unclear how Harry will mark the first anniversary of the late Queen’s death, but he will be in Germany from Saturday until September 16.