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Sussex fans set up fundraiser to mark Prince Harry's first Father's Day

The Duke of Sussex before the ICC Cricket World Cup group stage match at The Oval, London.
The Duke of Sussex before the ICC Cricket World Cup group stage match at The Oval, London. [Photo: PA]

Royal fans have started an online fundraiser to mark the Duke of Sussex’s first Father’s Day on June 16. The 34-year-old became a dad on May 6.

Set up by the Sussex Squad Podcast (@sussexpodcast) on Twitter, organisers have asked people to donate to two charities linked to Harry’s work, using the hashtag #HappyFathersDayPrinceHarry

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a military charity dedicated to supporting children & young people who have lost a parent whilst serving in the British Armed Forces.

The King’s Lynn-based organisation, set up by Army widow Nikki Scott following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan, was one of the charities chosen by Harry and Meghan to received donations in lieu of wedding gifts last year.

In the last seven days, Scotty’s tells Yahoo UK they have received £2,000 in donations which can be attributed to the social media campaign.

Charity founder Nikki Scott said, “I cannot tell you how much it means that people from around the world have come together to support us. Having met Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace two years ago, I know that helping the children of fallen Armed Forces heroes sits closely to his heart.

“We are once again overwhelmed by the generosity of not only the Duke and Duchess, but by the public who have provided donations to help us fulfil our mission of reaching every bereaved Armed Forces child in the UK.”

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Fans who started the online campaign are also urging followers to donate to the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, which champions, funds and connects young leaders from 53 countries, who are working hard to change the world.

The Queen is Patron of the trust, while Harry and Meghan are President and Vice-President.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son, who was born on Monday morning, during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Berkshire.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son Archie. [Photo: PA]

In March, royal fans set up an online fundraiser #GlobalSussexBabyShower in honour of the impending arrival of Meghan and Harry’s first child.

It resulted in an influx of donations to three selected organisations, CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), animal charity Mayhew and children’s charity WellChild.

Meghan and Harry even thanked supporters on their Instagram account stating they “are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support in anticipation of the birth of their first child.”