On August 31, 1997, Prince Harry lost his mother – Princess Diana – in a car crash that left the entire world shellshocked. Harry was just 12 years old at the time, but it’s a moment that continues to haunt him to this day. Not only did he lose his mother, but he had to mourn her loss with the entire world watching.
While his situation and status are different from most, Prince Harry understands that he’s not alone in losing a parent. Every year, thousands of children lose their parents and each of them will see their lives changed forever – much like Harry’s life changed more than 25 years ago when his mother passed away.
On Sunday, Prince Harry took the time to pen a letter to some of those bereaved children learning to accept the loss of a parent. More specifically, he penned a letter to Scotty’s Little Soldiers in honor of Remembrance Sunday – speaking to all the children who have lost a parent in the British Armed Forces.
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Remembrance Sunday is an annual holiday held in the United Kingdom that commemorates all the British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who lost their lives in battle. Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a UK-based charity that provides mental, physical, and emotional support to bereaved military children.
In Harry’s letter, he reiterated that the children aren’t that different from one another “We share a bond even without ever meeting one another because we share in having lost a parent. I know first-hand the pain and grief that comes with loss and want you to know that you are not alone,” he said in the letter.
“One of the ways I’ve learned to cope has been through community and talking about my grief, and I couldn’t be more grateful and relieved that you have amazing people walking beside you throughout your journey. We all know some days are harder than others, but together those days are made easier,” he continued.
The holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday of November and is the equivalent of Veteran’s Day in the US. “While difficult feelings will come up today as we pay tribute to heroes like your mum or dad, I hope you can find comfort and strength in knowing that their love for you lives and shines on,” said Harry.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is Thankful for Prince Harry and His Support
Scotty’s Little Soldiers posted Prince Harry’s letter on their official website for everyone to read. The charity is grateful for his support and understands what this day means to him. They vowed to continue their mission of leaving no bereaved military child behind and keep them connected to the military family.
“Prince Harry knows November can be a proud but emotional time for bereaved British Forces children, and he understands what it is like to experience the death of a parent. He has been involved with the charity for several years, and today he wrote this special letter for our members” wrote the charity.
It wasn’t just the charity that showed their gratitude – some of the bereaved children responded to Harry’s letter as well. “It’s comforting to know Prince Harry understands how we feel and cares about us,” said one 14-year-old. “I feel able to relate to him as he understands what we have been through,” said another.
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As part of the National Service of Remembrance parade, which took place in London on Sunday, 55 members of the UK charity (along with their families) marched in unison to raise awareness about the battle these children face every single day. They wore black and yellow scarves to show their unity.
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