Prince Harry has penned a letter to bereaved children, explaining that he ‘understands the weight’ of losing a parent at a young age.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, wrote the missive in his capacity of Global Ambassador of Scotty’s, a charity which supports children and young people, aged from birth to 25-years-old, who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
He has been connected to the charity for a number of years.
In his letter, which was addressed to ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’, Harry wrote that he wanted to ‘take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of this occasion and what it means for each of you’ as we approach Remembrance Day.
‘This day is a time not only to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by our service members but also to recognise the impact these sacrifices have on families, especially ones like yours,’ he said.
According to the Prince, each of the letter’s recipients ‘carries a unique story shaped by the bravery of a parent who served our country’.
He added: ‘I understand, perhaps more than most, the weight of losing a parent at a young age. 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 comfort and healing.’
According to Harry, Scotty’s Little Soldiers ’embodies this spirit of community’.
He added that when people come together to support each other, they can both ‘honour the memories of your loved ones’ and ‘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,’ he wrote.
He encouraged readers to reflect on the value’s their loved ones had instilled in them, including courage, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
Doing this, he said, will ‘serve as your guiding light, helping you navigate the challenges ahead’.
He also reminded readers that they are ‘part of a larger community that stands with you, ready to uplift and support you’.
He concluded the letter writing: ‘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 to shine brightly in the world.
‘All they want is for you to be happy.’
Speaking about Prince Harry’s involvement with the charity, founder Nikki 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. 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.’
It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in over three months, sharing a new video message on Thursday.
Harry and Meghan, 43, both wore dark blazers with poppy pins fastened on their lapels, in a short clip about online violence against children – a cause that is deeply important to them.
The video message was played at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia, as the Duke and Duchess called for greater protections for ‘the most vulnerable in our world’ against the threat of digital violence and harm.
It appears to have been filmed in California, where the Sussexes reside with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Their last official appearance together was in August, when Harry and Meghan embarked on a four-day tour of the South American country.
