Prince Harry: How I learnt to deal with grief
The Duke of Sussex has told bereaved military children that he learnt to cope with grief by speaking about it, as he highlighted the difficult bond they shared.
The Duke marked Remembrance Sunday by writing a letter of support to children who have lost a parent while serving in the Armed Forces.
He said: “We share a bond even without ever meeting one other, 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.”
The letter was shared by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports bereaved military children and one with which the Duke has enjoyed a long relationship.
Harry’s letter to Scotty’s Little Soldiers 🤍 pic.twitter.com/RsDjpT9f0U
— Hannah (@queen_meghan14) November 13, 2022
It came just weeks ahead of the Jan 10 release of the Duke’s memoir, Spare, in which he is expected to document the immediate aftermath of the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and his journey through grief.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott, whose husband Cpl Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan the previous year.
She saw the devastating impact on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
On Sunday, 55 children and their parents represented the charity during the Remembrance Sunday parade in central London.
The Duke wrote: “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.
“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.”
The Duke expressed his admiration and respect for all those who have given their lives during service.
He told those taking part in the parade: “When you march together in today’s parade, wearing your yellow and black scarves, I know it will be hard, but equally important to do.”
He said that by doing so, they would raise awareness for others - adding: “I salute you for serving others in need, in the most honourable memory of your parent.”
Scotty member Samuel Hall, 14, who was three when his father, Lt Cdr Andrew Hall, died in 2012, said: “It’s comforting to know Prince Harry understands how we feel and cares about us.
“It was great to receive the letter. Remembrance is a difficult time and being with Scotty’s helps me and the other members know people are there for us.”
Georgia Paterson, also 14, whose father Cpl Norman Stevenson died in 2018 when she was seven, added: “It’s amazing knowing someone as important as Prince Harry has reached out to us.
“To know he’s thinking about us and our parents means a lot. I feel able to relate to him as he understands what we have been through.”
Mrs Scott expressed gratitude to the Duke for his support, adding: “Our members know that he truly understands what it’s like to grow up without a parent and it means so much to them to know his thoughts are with them.
“To receive his letter on Remembrance Sunday has given them a huge boost on a proud but difficult day.”
The Duke met Mrs Scott at Party at the Palace in 2017.
When he and the Duchess of Sussexx married in 2018, they selected Scotty’s as one of the charities to benefit from donations.
The following year, the Duke recorded a special message for charity members, which was played at their annual Christmas party.
Dressed up as Father Christmas, he reassured the children that their parents would never be forgotten and that they have a supportive community around them.
