Prince Harry has recorded a special Christmas message for the children of parents who died while serving in the British Armed Forces.
The Duke of Sussex sent the heartfelt video message to children attending an annual Christmas party held by charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
The charity aims to support those who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British military.
Dressed as Spiderman, Harry told kids that it’s okay for us to have “fun without our parents”.
He said: “Christmas is a time when we will miss our loved ones really, really badly. And that’s okay, but at the same time it can be possible to feel guilty for having fun without our parents.
“But I’m here to assure you that our parents always want us to have fun, okay? So don’t feel guilty.
“You’re allowed to have the best time ever, especially with this scary little soldiers community. So go out there, have the best time and merry Christmas!”
The party, held on Saturday, was attended by over 100 children and young people.
The annual event is held in a different location every year and provides Scotty’s members with an opportunity to meet others in the same situation as them, helping to reduce their feelings of isolation and reminding them they aren’t alone in their grief.
Prince Harry previously recorded a video for Scotty’s members at their Christmas party in 2019. The Duke was dressed as Father Christmas at the time.
Jamie Small, 8, an attendee who lost his father, Corporal Christopher Small in 2016, said: “It’s pretty cool that Prince Harry supports Scotty’s. This isn’t just a person from a small village. He’s someone people all over the world know and he has taken the time to record a special message for us, which means a lot.”
Ben O’Donnell, who was just nine weeks old when his dad Gary O’Donnell died, said: “It’s not the first time Prince Harry has shown us that he’s thinking about us and it’s good to hear from him again this Christmas. He’s gone to a lot of effort which shows he genuinely cares. It’s great he wore the Spider-Man outfit. Maybe he’ll be the next Spider-Man!”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers Founder, Nikki Scott, said: “It’s incredible for everyone at Scotty’s to have Prince Harry’s continued support.
“He knows what it’s like to grow up without a parent and understands there are certain times of the year that can be particularly challenging. Christmas is one of those times.
“We have the party to remind our members they aren’t alone but also to facilitate the opportunity for members to meet others and forge friendships.
“In addition, it provides an opportunity for parents/carers to gain access to resources and information to help them support their children.
“We chose the Heroes and Villains theme based on suggestions from our members and all the activities are designed to help increase members’ confidence and self-esteem and help promote their overall emotional wellbeing. We love the fact that Prince Harry not only recorded such a special message but also dressed up as Spider-Man.”
