Ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11, Prince Harry wrote a heartwarming letter to bereaved children of military personnel, explaining that he ‘understands the weight’ of losing a parent
Ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11, Prince Harry penned a sweet letter to bereaved children, explaining that he “understands the weight” of losing a parent at a young age.
The letter comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first joint appearance since August in a video discussing digital violence against children.
Despite stepping away from official royal duties in 2020, Harry has been a Global Ambassador of Scotty’s, a charity which supports children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British armed forces, for years.
Harry, 40, was just 12-years-old when his mother, Princess Diana, died from injuries sustained in a car crash in 1997.
Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s, spoke about the Duke of Sussex’s involvement with the charity: “Prince Harry is completely dedicated to Scotty’s and takes his role as Global Ambassador very seriously. He understands what it is like for our members to grow up without their parent, and he also knows the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.”
According to Scott: “It’s become a bit of a tradition now, for the Duke to write to our members at Remembrance. They also received letters from him in 2022 and 2023 and it means so much to them to know he is thinking about them and their parents at this proud but difficult time.”
In the note, which was began with “Dear Scotty’s Little Soldiers,” Harry wrote about wanting to “take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of [Remembrance Day] and what it means” for the young people he is addressing.
He scribed, “Each of you carries a unique story shaped by the bravery of a parent who served our country. I understand, perhaps more than most, the weight of losing a parent at a young age.”
The Duke went on, expressing his empathy and the promise of hope: “It can be overwhelming and isolating. Yet, in the midst of that heartache, we find strength in the love and memories left behind, and I have seen how communities like yours can offer deep support and healing…The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures.”
In a call to action, he added: “I encourage you to reflect on the values that your loved ones instilled in you – courage, compassion, and a sense of purpose. These will serve as your guiding light, helping you navigate the challenges ahead…know that you are part of a larger community that stands with you, ready to uplift and support you. Your resilience is a testament to the legacy of your loved ones, and I have every confidence in your ability to make them proud and shine brightly in the world.”
He concluded the letter with a poignant and heartwarming reminder: “All they want is for you to be happy.”
