Prince Harry praises bereaved military children supported by Norfolk charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers
The Duke of Sussex sent a heartfelt letter ahead of Remembrance weekend.
Prince Harry has written a heartfelt letter to bereaved military children supported by Norfolk-based charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, praising their strength and unity ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
The Duke of Sussex reflected on his own experiences in the Armed Forces while addressing the children and their families who have lost loved ones who served in the military.
“I often think back to my own time in the military; the friendships, the laughs, and the sense that no matter what, someone's got your back,” Prince Harry wrote.
“That same spirit lives in all of you,” he added, calling the children “strong and inspiring.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers, founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott after her husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan, supports children and young people grieving the death of a parent who served in the Armed Forces.
In his message, which has become an annual tradition, the duke highlighted how much he admired their ability to honour loved ones while still embracing life.
“Every time I see what Scotty's families do - the way you remember your loved ones while still finding joy and living life to the fullest - I'm reminded of just how strong and inspiring you all are,” Prince Harry wrote.
This weekend, 100 members of Scotty’s, including 56 children and young people from 38 families, will take part in the Remembrance Sunday parade at the Cenotaph. The youngest participant is just eight years old.
Prince Harry commended their role in keeping the memories of fallen soldiers alive.
“When you march, you're showing the world what it means to remember with love and pride,” he said.
The duke, who served two frontline tours of Afghanistan, also reassured the children that they are not alone.
“This time of year can bring a lot of emotions - pride, love, and sometimes sadness - as you remember your parent or loved one who served our country,” he wrote.
“Please know you're not alone in that. You've got each other, and a whole community of friends and family who understand what this time means and who are standing right beside you, myself included.”
Scotty’s members are known for their distinctive yellow and black scarves, representing unity and the colours of Cpl Scott’s 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.
“Whenever I see those yellow and black scarves, I think of the unity, strength and sense of belonging that runs through Scotty's,” Prince Harry said.
Nikki Scott, Scotty’s founder, said the duke’s words have a significant impact on their community.
“This weekend is always deeply emotional for our families, but it's also a time for pride and connection,” she said.
“Knowing that Prince Harry - and the country - are standing alongside them means the world.”
One Scotty’s member, Molly Reynolds, 21, whose father Sergeant Antony Reynolds died in 2018, said the duke’s support is deeply meaningful.
“Receiving this letter from Prince Harry for Remembrance Day is really special as it reminds us that we are not alone, and he understands us,” Molly said.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers continues to provide vital support to military families, helping them honour loved ones while finding a sense of community and hope.