Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.hellomagazine.com
Prince Harry has quietly marked the Remembrance period with a heartfelt letter to one of his most cherished charities.
The Duke of Sussex, 42, sent a personal note to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the military bereavement charity, ahead of the Remembrance weekend.
In his note, which was signed “Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex”, he appeared to reference his late mother, Princess Diana, saying that “no matter where you are in your journey, grief can often catch you by surprise, even years after a loss has occurred”.
He also reflected on his time in the military, adding: “Navigating the grief of losing a loved one doesn’t leave you, no matter how old you are. Know that you are not alone, as this is one of the most universal experiences of being human. Scotty’s will be with you every step of the way.
“When I was in the British Army, knowing someone had your back meant everything. I recognise that same spirit at Scotty’s, where the people around you will understand without you having to explain. They just get it, and that alone brings comfort and relief.”
Harry’s long-time support of Scotty’s
Harry has supported Scotty’s since 2017 and became the charity’s global ambassador in 2023.
He typically writes a message each year to mark Remembrance, though this year is the first time it’s been shared with adults, as well as children and young people.
© Scotty’s
Scotty’s Founder, Nicky Scott, said: “It means so much to have The Duke’s continued support.
“His Remembrance letter has become something our children and young people look forward to receiving each year, and it feels particularly special that this year his message will reach our wider Scotty’s community too.”
Over the weekend, one hundred people from the Scotty’s community will come together in London to honour loved ones, wearing the charity’s distinctive yellow and black scarves.
Prince Harry’s plans for Remembrance Sunday
HELLO! understands that Harry is not taking part in any public Remembrance events to avoid distracting from official engagements attended by the royal family, and will be marking the day privately.
“He’s not going to do anything that would pull focus from the Royal Family or the national commemorations at the Cenotaph in London,” a friend told us previously.
“More likely, he’ll mark it in the same way that most veterans do, privately, either at church or at their local war memorial’s annual service.”
© Getty Images“For Harry, Remembrance Sunday is a deeply personal and important occasion, a time to honour those who have served, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and stand alongside veterans.
“He has no desire to create drama or do anything that could distract from his family’s role in the national commemorations.”
Harry has not taken part in any national Remembrance events since 2019, when he and Meghan Markle were still working members of the royal family.
Last year, the Duke and Duchess were pictured at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party over the Remembrance weekend, though the photos were later removed from Instagram as the couple was said to be concerned about how it might look.
The royal family’s Remembrance events this weekend
On Thursday, the Duchess of Gloucester marked the start of the royal family’s official Remembrance events as she stepped in for Queen Camilla to plant a cross in Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance.
© GettyOn Saturday, the King and Queen will attend the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
On Sunday, they will attend the service at the Cenotaph. There will be a two-minute silence at 11 am, followed by a wreath-laying service with politicians and members of the royal family.
The Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent will also attend the service.
Read Prince Harry’s letter in full below:
Dear Scotty’s Community,
Whether you’re a young person who has been part of Scotty’s Little Soldiers for years, or someone older who is just now discovering this community under the new name Scotty’s, I’m glad you found us.
Navigating the grief of losing a loved one doesn’t leave you, no matter how old you are. Know that you are not alone, as this is one of the most universal experiences of being human. Scotty’s will be with you every step of the way.
When I was in the British Army, knowing someone had your back meant everything. I recognise that same spirit at Scotty’s, where the people around you will understand without you having to explain. They just get it, and that alone brings comfort and relief.
No matter where you are in your journey, grief can often catch you by surprise, even years after a loss has occurred. You reach a milestone you wish your loved one could see, or find yourself longing for their advice. There is no timetable for that, and there should be no deadline for asking for help.
As the nation pauses to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of our military families past and present, I want to pay tribute to your loved ones and thank them for their service. Above all, I know just as you do that they are so much more than a uniform or a name read out loud each November. They are a parent, child, sibling, partner, family member or friend who is loved and deeply missed.
To those gathering in London for Scotty’s Remembrance weekend, I hope being together brings comfort, pride, and even joy. That is, after all, what our loved ones would want.
With my very best,
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Global Ambassador, Scotty’s
