Prince Harry ‘happy to be back in UK’ during London trip
The Duke of Sussex has said it is “great” to be back in Britain, as he made a flying visit ahead of joining his wife in Nigeria.
The Duke, who was in London for three days for meetings planned around the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, invited the BBC to join him at a children’s party for one of his patronages.
The event, for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, was “amazing”, he said.
The charity supports the bereaved children of military personnel, and Prince Harry is its global ambassador. He spoke to children about their experiences of bereavement.
“What Scotty’s is doing with these kids is absolutely incredible and very needed as well,” the Duke said.
“The more opportunity you get to do these kinds of events, the more the families and kids know this place exists which is really the most important thing.
“I have long believed in the mission of this charity, and I truly believe the work they do to foster community and create space for young people to connect, grieve, but also have fun together is life-changing.
“I am a huge supporter of their work and very proud to be their first global ambassador.”
Children who spoke to the Duke at the event said he gave them advice on how to cope with grief.
Joshua Kirkham, 19, was six years old when his dad Lance Corporal Christopher Bradshaw died in a road collision in 2011.
Joshua said: “The standout moment in our conversation with Prince Harry was around coping mechanisms for bereavement.
“We discussed being proud of the family member we’ve lost, celebrating their life, and understanding that it’s okay to be sad, to grieve, and to seek support in whatever way feels right.”
Georgia Paterson, 16, joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2018. Her dad, Corporal Norman Stevenson, served in the Royal Regiment of Scotland and died by suicide in 2016.
She said: “Prince Harry was the best person to share that experience with because he’s been through it and understands better than anyone. It was really moving to see how vulnerable he was with us, which encouraged us to open up as well.”
Georgia added: “It felt really connecting because when your parent served, they served for the country, and one of the most important things for the country is the Royal family. Speaking with someone who is part of that made me feel more connected to my Dad. It was amazing to be connected to him in that moment.”
