Prince Harry joins bereaved military children for virtual Christmas party
He took part in a Q&A sharing his own Christmas memories, discussing bereavement and his time in the Armed Forces
Prince Harry's joined over 280 bereaved military children for a virtual Christmas party hosted by a King's Lynn-based charity.
The Duke of Sussex has long been an ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which is dedicated to supporting young people who've experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
To mark the festive season, yesterday (10th December) he joined the charity's party - which saw the invited children take part in a series of interactive games, including building towers with cushions and making snowmen out of toilet rolls.
The Duke also answered questions during a Q&A session, sharing his own Christmas memories, discussing bereavement and his time in the Armed Forces.
"You’ve got the people that love you"
He ended the event with a special Christmas message: “It’s okay to feel however you feel at Christmas.
"Some people will be celebrating and happy, other people feel reflective, some people will be sad, and maybe you’ll experience every single one of these emotions and that’s absolutely fine.
"Remember you’ve got each other, you’ve got Scotty’s and you’ve got the people that love you.”
Bethan, a 23-year-old member of Scotty’s, participated in the Q&A alongside Prince Harry.
Her father, Warrant Officer Class 2 David Coomber, who served in the Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army, died in 2011 when Bethan was nine.
"Christmas can be a difficult time for bereaved children"
Reflecting on the virtual party, Bethan said: “It was great to have so many members of Scotty’s together. The games were good fun and helped everyone feel involved. I felt a real connection with Prince Harry.
"The party was upbeat and in no way sombre, but Prince Harry reminded us that he understands what we have all been through and that it’s okay to feel a mixture of emotions. He also made it clear to us that he is part of the Scotty’s community and proud to support us, which means a lot.”
Nikki Scott, who founded Scotty’s in 2010, following the death of her husband Cpl Lee Scott in Afghanistan, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for bereaved children and young people, but this event reminded our members that they are part of a community that cares and understands....
“Prince Harry has been a massive supporter of Scotty’s for a number of years and having him at our virtual Christmas party made it really special and memorable for our members.”