Prince Harry Wrote an Emotional Letter to Children Who Have Lost a Parent Who Served in the Military

As many members of the royal family attended the annual Remembrance Day Service at The Cenotaph this morning, Prince Harry found his own way to mark the day honor veterans and those who died while serving.

The Duke of Sussex wrote a letter to children who have lost a parent who served in the military. These kids are members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers—a charity for bereaved British Forces children and young people.

"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," Harry wrote.

"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 these days are made easier."

Read the full letter here.

Prince Harry has been working with Scotty's Little Soldiers for several years, even dressing up as Father Christmas in a special video for the organization in 2019.

"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," Scotty’s Little Soldiers Founder, Nikki Scott, said. "To receive his letter on Remembrance Sunday has given them a huge boost on a proud but difficult day."

Last year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent time with service members and their families to mark the American Veterans Day and British Remembrance Day. In 2020, they visited the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

"I wear the Poppy to recognize all those who have served; the soldiers I knew, as well as those I didn't," Prince Harry shared in 2020 on military podcast Declassified. "The soldiers who were by my side in Afghanistan, those who had their lives changed forever, and those that didn't come home. I wear it to celebrate the bravery and determination of all our veterans, and their loved ones, especially those in our Invictus family. These are the people and moments I remember when I salute."

The Duke of Sussex shared that remembrance is "how we preserve the legacies of entire generations and show our gratitude for the sacrifices they made in order for us to be able to live the lives we live today."

The last time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in Remembrance events with the royal family was in 2019, shortly before they moved to California and stepped back from their positions as senior working royals.

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