Prince William isn’t one to often speak about his emotions, but when it comes to grief, he doesn’t hold back.
At a private dinner marking the 30th anniversary of Child Bereavement UK, the Prince of Wales called grief “the very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure.” And if anyone understands that, it’s him. William was just 15 when he lost his mother, Princess Diana, in a tragic car crash in 1997, a moment that changed his life forever.
Speaking at the event on May 13, the 42-year-old royal praised the critical work Child Bereavement UK does for children and families struggling with loss. As patron of the charity since 2009, William said he’s seen firsthand how essential support is in the aftermath of losing someone close. “While we cannot prevent these losses,” he said, “we can ensure that every possible type of expert support and care is given to help rebuild the lives of those affected.”
Prince William’s grief isn’t just a personal chapter from his past, it’s something he’s using to connect with others who’ve suffered, especially young people. During a conversation earlier this year with teenagers receiving support from the charity, William opened up about how hard it can be to talk about feelings after losing someone. He told 17-year-old Rebecca, whose father had passed, that “sometimes the hardest thing about grief is finding the words for how you actually feel.”
He also comforted 15-year-old Meika, who stopped attending school after her grandmother died. “The mind gets focused on one thing, doesn’t it? It’s very difficult to be able to do school and normal life,” William said. That kind of empathy doesn’t come from textbooks, it comes from living through it.
At the dinner, the prince celebrated the merger of Child Bereavement UK with another leading grief charity, Winston’s Wish. He said the decision to join forces was powerful and necessary given the increasing demand for bereavement support across the UK. “In my 16 years as patron of Child Bereavement UK, I have seen the life-changing impact of their work,” he said. “I am delighted that Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are joining forces to expand their impact. They have recognized that together they can do so much more.”
The two organizations will operate under the name Child Bereavement UK, and William will continue in his role as patron. The aim? To reach more families and help reduce the long-term damage that unresolved grief can cause.
Alexander Fitzgibbons, chairman of Child Bereavement UK, summed it up: “With more, we can do more. Together, we can reach further, giving a stronger voice to bereaved children, young people, parents, and families across the UK.”
Prince William’s journey with grief has clearly shaped his perspective and his passion for helping others cope with loss. His willingness to share his own pain makes his message hit harder. He’s not just offering sympathy, he’s offering real solidarity. And with organizations like Child Bereavement UK growing stronger through collaborations, more children and parents dealing with grief won’t have to go through it alone.
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