To help children cope with the bereavement of a loved one during the coronavirus pandemic, Prince Harry opened up emotionally about the loss of his mother, Lady Diana, when he was only 12 years old.
Shattering confidences. When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave their polemical interview with Oprah Winfrey, they mentioned Princess Diana several times, with Harry even describing how he felt, “She was with us through it all.” Now, little Archie’s father has written a moving foreword in a book for children facing the pain of grief after losing a loved one during this coronavirus pandemic. The project was launched by the children’s bereavement support charity, Simon Says. Its co-founder, Sally Stanley, said the idea to create the book came after many workers on the frontline succumbed to Covid-19.
The book, titled Hospital by the Hill, will be published to mark National Thinking Day in the United Kingdom on March 23. In the foreword, Meghan Markle’s husband revealed how he struggled to come to terms with the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997 when he was just 12. He hopes that his testimony will “comfort” grieving children by knowing “they are not alone. Describing how Diana’s death “left a huge hole inside me,” Prince Harry wrote, “I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that in time, that hole will be filled with so much love and support.”
In a statement shared with us, author Chris Connaughton says, “I wanted it to provide a connection, support and hope through the hard and horrible times of bereavement. It’s also a tremendous honour—and a service to young people—to have The Duke of Sussex support this project and share his open, heartfelt and honest words with kids across the country.”
They are always with you
With emotion, he continued: “We all deal with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I’ve been told that their spirit, love and memories do not. They are always with you and you can keep them forever. I find that to be true.” Prince Harry also made a point of clarifying, giving his full support to these children whose sadness is immense: “Now, I never met them, but I know that this person was special to you, and it was someone incredibly kind, caring and loving because of where they chose to work. Helping others is one of the most important jobs you can do.” Concluding the message, Prince William’s brother, who has chosen to go independent from the British royal family, said, “I hope this book helps you remember how special your parent or loved one was. And how special you are too.” A testimony filled with love and sincerity.
You can read the forward courtesy of the Duke of Sussex in full, below.
If you are reading this book, it’s because you’ve lost your parent or a loved one, and while I wish I was able to hug you right now, I hope this story is able to provide you comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.
When I was a young boy I lost my mum. At the time I didn’t want to believe it or accept it, and it left a huge hole inside of me. I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that over time that hole will be filled with so much love and support. We all cope with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love
Now, I never met them, but I know this person was special to you, and they were someone incredibly kind, caring and loving because of where they chose to work. Helping others is one of the most important jobs anyone can ever do.
You may feel alone, you may feel sad, you may feel angry, you may feel bad. This feeling will pass. And I will make a promise to you – you will feel better and stronger once you are ready to talk about how it makes you feel.
I hope this book helps remind you of just how special your parent or loved one was. And how special you are too.
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