Prince Harry recently spoke with Nikki Scott, founder of the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, in a candid interview discussing coping with loss and grief in childhood. The prince, who became the global ambassador of the charity in 2023, shared his own experiences with childhood grief after losing his mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12. He emphasized the importance of learning to celebrate the lives of lost loved ones while also grieving, highlighting the struggle children face in processing parental loss.
In the interview, Harry reflected on the mental health impact of processing grief at a young age, mentioning the belief that one must remain sad to prove they are missed by the deceased. However, he emphasized the realization that those who have passed would want their loved ones to be happy. Harry also discussed the importance of not suppressing grief for too long, as it can have long-term negative effects on one’s mental health and well-being. He spoke about his personal journey of processing his mother’s death and the role therapy played in helping him come to terms with his loss.
Since his split from the monarchy with wife Meghan Markle in 2020, Harry has become increasingly vocal about his experiences with grief and mental health, sharing his story in his 2023 memoir titled “Spare.” In the memoir, he recounts the moments following his mother’s death and the mental anguish he experienced in the years that followed. With Meghan’s encouragement, Harry sought therapy to address his struggles and has since prioritized mental health support for children, veterans, and minorities through his philanthropic work with the Archewell Foundation.
Harry and Meghan have been actively involved in promoting mental health awareness and support for vulnerable communities, with Harry also leading the Invictus Games, a sports tournament for wounded military veterans. Through their work, the couple aims to provide a platform for individuals to share their stories and receive the necessary support to navigate their mental and emotional well-being. Harry’s continued advocacy for mental health highlights his commitment to destigmatizing conversations around grief, loss, and mental health struggles, particularly for children and military veterans.
As a global ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Harry’s involvement with the charity reflects his dedication to supporting bereaved military children and providing them with the necessary resources to navigate their grief and loss. By sharing his own personal experiences with childhood grief, Harry hopes to inspire others to open up about their struggles and seek the support they need to heal. Through his advocacy and philanthropy, Harry continues to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the impact of grief on individuals, emphasizing the significance of addressing these issues openly and compassionately.
