Prince Harry has said he “understands, perhaps more than most” the impact of losing a parent at a young age.
In a letter to bereaved military children, the Duke of Sussex said it can be “overwhelming and isolating”.
He said the days when the country observes remembrance are “not only time to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by our service members but also to recognise the impact these sacrifices have on families”.
When he was just 12 years old, Harry lost his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car crash in 1997.
In his letter to young people supported by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the duke said: “We find strength in the love and memories left behind, and I have seen how communities like yours can offer deep comfort and healing.
“Scotty’s Little Soldiers embodies this spirit of community. In coming together to support one another, you not only honour the memories of your loved ones but also forge bonds that can and will carry you through the toughest times.
“The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures.”
Harry has supported the charity for several years and serves as its global ambassador.
Scotty’s supports children and young people up to age 25 who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
The charity was set up in 2010 after being inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, whose husband Corporal Lee Scott died in Afghanistan in 2009, and provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children throughout their childhood.
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Prince ‘knows the sacrifices made by servicemen and women’
Discussing the letter, Ms Scott said: “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. It’s become a bit of a tradition now, for the duke to write to our members at Remembrance.
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“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.”
During this year’s remembrance period, 53 members of Scotty’s will gather in London to pay tribute to their military parents.
