Prince Harry has reached out with a heartfelt letter to young members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity close to his heart that supports bereaved military children and young adults.
The letter reflects the Duke of Sussex’s deeply personal understanding of loss, rooted in the death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was only 12. In his message, he shares with the children that he understands, “perhaps more than most, the weight of losing a parent at a young age.”
“It can be overwhelming and isolating. Yet, in the midst of that heartache, we find strength in the love and memories left behind, and I have seen how communities like yours can offer deep comfort and healing,” he wrote.
The Duke acknowledged that Remembrance Day, a solemn day in the U.K. honoring those who lost their lives in war or conflict, is not only a time to honor the sacrifices of service members but also to recognize the enduring impact on families left behind.
“I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the values that your loved ones instilled in you — courage, compassion, and a sense of purpose. These will serve as your guiding light, helping you navigate the challenges ahead,” he wrote.
Courtesy of Archewell
In a new photo, Prince Harry wears the Scotty’s scarf in solidarity, along with a poppy pin — a symbol of remembrance used since 1921 to honor fallen service members.
“In coming together to support one another, you not only honor the memories of your loved ones but also forge bonds that can and will carry you through the toughest times,” he wrote. “The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures.”
Harry concluded: “Your resilience is a testament to the legacy of your loved ones, and I have every confidence in your ability to make them proud and to shine bright in the world. All they want is for you to be happy.”
Courtesy of Scotty’s Little Soldiers
This Remembrance Day, 53 young members of Scotty’s will gather in London to honor their military parents, proudly wearing the charity’s signature black and yellow scarves. These colors, symbolizing solidarity, echo the hues of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment where Corporal “Scotty” Scott served. For these children, the scarves represent resilience and a tribute to their loved ones who gave so much.
As Scotty’s Global Ambassador, Prince Harry has long been a champion of the charity, which was founded in 2010 by Army widow Nikki Scott after her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Scotty’s Little Soldiers offers ongoing support to children and young people up to the age of 25 who have lost a parent in the British Armed Forces, providing a lifeline of support and community.
Founder Nikki Scott shared how much Prince Harry’s words mean to the children, many of whom face the isolation that comes with grief.
“Prince Harry is completely dedicated to Scotty’s and takes his role as Global Ambassador very seriously,” she says. “He understands what it is like for our members to grow up without their parent, and he also knows the sacrifices made by servicemen and women. It’s become a bit of a tradition now, for The Duke to write to our members at Remembrance. They also received letters from him in 2022 and 2023 and it means so much to them to know he is thinking about them and their parents at this proud but difficult time.”
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In 2022, Prince Harry shared with PEOPLE his heartfelt wish to honor his mother’s legacy and make her proud.
“I certainly hope and believe everything I do makes her proud,” the Duke of Sussex said. “In the 12 short years I was lucky enough to have with her, I saw and felt the energy and lift she got from helping others, no matter their background, ailment or status. Her life and theirs was better for it, however short theirs or hers was.”
He added, “I honor my mother in everything I do. I am my mother’s son.”
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