Prince Harry issues moving statement and admits it’s an ’emotional time of year’

Ahead of Remembrance weekend, Prince Harry has sent a letter to bereaved military children praising them as an inspiration before they march at the Cenotaph on Sunday

Prince Harry has sent a moving letter to the children of bereaved military families ahead of Remembrance weekend. The Duke of Sussex, who has been in Canada visiting veterans in Toronto, praised youngsters who have lost a parent in the Armed Forces and helped by UK charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers in the letter for their strength and unity.

Harry’s letter to youngsters supported by the Norfolk-based charity has become an annual tradition – and this year, he once again reflected on the camaraderie he enjoyed in the forces. He wrote: “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. That same spirit lives in all of you.”

He added: “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. Your mums and dads would be so proud of you. We all are.”

It comes as 100 bereaved family members from Scotty’s, including 56 children and young people from 38 families, will march to the Cenotaph in the Remembrance Sunday parade to honour their loved ones who served in the British Armed Forces, with the youngest participant being just eight years old.

Harry added: “Remembrance is such a powerful moment for all of us. It’s a chance for the whole country to pause and come together to say thank you to those who served – and to the families who love them, because when one person serves, the whole family serves. You play a really special part in that.

“I’m so proud that Scotty’s will be represented at the Festival of Remembrance and at the Cenotaph Parade this year; 100 of you from 38 families, from the youngest at just eight to the oldest at 24. When you march, you’re showing the world what it means to remember with love and pride.”

He told the youngsters they were not alone and that he was standing right beside them, writing: “As Remembrance approaches, I wanted to write and let you know how incredibly proud we all are of you.

“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.

“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.”

Nikki Scott founded Scotty’s 15 years ago in 2010 following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan, and its members wear distinctive yellow and black striped scarves to match the colours of Cpl Scott’s 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

Harry, who carried out two frontline tours to Afghanistan, said: “Whenever I see those yellow and black scarves, I think of the unity, strength, and sense of belonging that runs through Scotty’s.

“You show everyone that in tough times, you stand together, while your loved ones watch on from wherever they may be, with admiration.”

Nikki said the duke’s words captured what the charity is about, adding: “This weekend is always deeply emotional for our families, but it’s also a time for pride and connection. Knowing that Prince Harry – and the country – are standing alongside them means the world.”

Molly Reynolds, 21 whose dad, Sergeant Antony Reynolds, served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and died in 2018, said: “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, not just as someone who has served but also as someone who was bereaved as a child.”

Harry is currently carrying out a two-day visit to Toronto, and met Canadian soldiers from the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and the Royal Regiment of Canada on Wednesday, watching demonstrations from the base’s dive team and deck team weapons display.

Former soldier Harry also expressed his pride at fighting for his country in a personal piece he penned on Wednesday, telling of his love of the “things that make us British”, and warning how easy it is for veterans to be forgotten “once the uniform comes off”.

His essay “The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What it means to be British”, fondly described the “banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands” as the “things that make us British”, with the duke adding: “I love it.”