'It Left A Huge Hole Inside Of Me': Prince Harry Writes About Losing His Mother Princess Diana In Book Foreword
Prince Harry wants anyone in mourning to know that they're never alone.
In a foreword for Chris Connaughton's book Hospital by the Hill, Harry shared comforting words to children who have lost a parent or family member due to working on the frontline amid the pandemic. He even touched on his own experience of saying goodbye to his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 when he was just 12 years old.
"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," he confessed. "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."
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"We all cope with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love and the memories of them do not," he shared. "They are always with you and you can hold onto them forever. I find this to be true."
"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," Harry continued. "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," he insisted. "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," Harry added. "And how special you are too,"
The book is being released in honor of Britain's National Day of Reflection next week, and any child who has lost a loved one will be able to receive it for free.
Sally Stanley, the founder of child bereavement charity Simon Says, is optimistic that the book will help kids heal.
Prince William (left), Prince Harry and their mother, Princess Diana, in 1988.
"The idea of a book for children and young people bereaved as a result of Coronavirus began in the Spring of 2020 when the number of frontline workers dying became very significant," she shared. "Being bereaved of a loved one is very difficult at any time in the life of a child or young person."
"The restrictions that surrounded the close contact of family members during the pandemic make it much harder for them to say goodbye in the way that we are used to," she noted. "I hope that this book will help children and young people to remember their special person whose work was to help others."
