Prince Harry writes foreword in book for grieving children

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has written a foreword in a children’s book that frelects on the death of his mother.

The book has been written for children of health workers who have died in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prince Harry wrote of the death of his mother Diana, the Princess of Wales in 1997 that occurred when he was 12. He says the loss had left “a huge hole inside of me”  but that did receive “love and support”.

The book, Hospital By the Hill, follows a young person whose mother dies while working during the Covid crisis at a hospital.

Written by Chris Connaughton and illustrated by Fay Troote, the book is being gifted to grieving children as part of the National Day of Reflection in the UK.

“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,” Harry writes.

“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.”

He writes that even though the loss is terrible, our loved ones are “always with you and you can hold on to them for ever. 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.”