Prince Harry has penned a touching message to bereaved children who have lost a parent serving in the Armed Forces.
The Duke of Sussex told the children in a letter that “grief is nothing to be ashamed of” as he urged them to speak to family and friends for support.
The message was written for young members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports those who’ve lost a military personnel parent. Prince Harry is the charity’s global ambassador and has been involved since 2017.
He wrote: “During what may be a particularly difficult time for you and your family, know that I am thinking of you and hoping for your Remembrance weekend to be filled with comfort, support, and shared understanding with your fellow Scotty's members.
“This is an incredibly important and emotional time of year, when so many come together to pay their respects to your military parents and our military family, for their service and for their sacrifice.
"Growing up, having lost a parent, is immensely difficult. But being part of such a strong and resilient community like Scotty's can really help.
“Spending time with people who understand what you may be feeling and who can rally around you in moments of need is something to cherish.”
The prince has previously dressed up in a superhero costume to support the charity's efforts.
The royal served in the armed forces himself, completing two tours of Afghanistan, and lost his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old in 1997.
He has since spoken in subsequent years of the lasting impact the tragedy of losing a parent at a young age has had on him.
He added in his message: “Grief is nothing to be ashamed of; it's normal to feel sadness from loss. But don't forget that you also deserve to feel happiness - your parent would want that, trust me.
“On this Remembrance Sunday, I hope you carry a sense of pride for your mum or dad, as they do for you, with the understanding that they will never be forgotten.
“It's an honour for me to be a part of this community alongside you.”
Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, said: “We are really excited Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex is joining Scotty’s as a global ambassador.
“He’s supported Scotty’s for a number of years and having been bereaved as a child himself, and having served in the British armed forces, including deploying to Afghanistan, Prince Harry resonates with our members.
“They know he truly understands them and the challenges they face as bereaved military children.”
She added: “The duke is also able to use his profile to help raise awareness of the charity, meaning that we can reach and support more children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.”
On Monday, Harry and the Duchess of Sussex attended the opening of a new Navy Seal Foundation training centre for military veterans in San Diego.
The couple, both wearing red Remembrance poppies, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Warrior Fitness Programme facility.
They watched and clapped as the foundation’s chief executive Robin King cut the red ribbon with an oversized pair of golden scissors.
