Remembrance: Prince Harry writes letter of support to bereaved military children
Prince Harry has written a letter to children bereaved of a parent who served in the UK military, to show his support amid Remembrance.
The children are members of Scotty's Little Soldiers – the charity for bereaved British Forces children and young people.
In his letter, dated 13 November, he wrote: "As many of us observe and reflect on Remembrance Sunday, I wanted to write to you and let you know you are all in my thoughts and heart today.
"We share a bond even without ever meeting one another, 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.
"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.
"Whenever you need a reminder of this, I encourage you to lean into your friends at Scotty's Little Soldiers.
"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.
"Today and every day, I admire and respect all the men and women who have given their lives in service of us – especially those in your family.
"I am also incredibly proud of you for being the best example in remembering them."
The Duke of Sussex has had a long-standing relationship with the organisation, set up by war widow Nikki Scott in 2010, a year after she lost her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan.
She saw the troubling impact on her children and wanted to help other young people experiencing loss.
On receiving the letter, 14-year-old Scotty member Samuel Hall, who lost his father Lieutenant Commander Andrew Hall aged just three 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, who is the same age, and has been a member of Scotty's since the passing of her father Corporal Norman Stevenson in 2018, said: "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."
Scotty's Little Soldiers Founder, Nikki Scott, said: "We are so grateful to Prince Harry for his continued support.
"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."
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