Prince Harry has penned an emotional letter to bereaved military children ahead of the Remembrance period.
The Duke of Sussex’s message to youngsters assisted by Scotty’s Little Soldiers has become a regular occurrence, with the royal expressing admiration for their courage and solidarity.
In his message, Harry acknowledged the complex feelings surrounding this period, recognising that Remembrance can evoke “pride, love, and sometimes sadness” whilst families honour their departed loved ones who served Britain.
The former soldier, who completed two operational deployments in Afghanistan, serves as global ambassador for the Norfolk-based organisation that supports young people bereaved by the loss of a parent in the armed forces.
Prince Harry has penned an emotional letter to bereaved military children ahead of the Remembrance period.
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Scotty’s Little Soldiers/PA
A significant contingent from the charity will participate in Sunday’s commemorations, with 100 relatives from 38 military families to mark Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph.
Among the marchers will be fifty-six young people ranging from eight to twenty-four years old, making this year’s representation particularly poignant.
The eight-year-old participant will be the youngest person taking part in the solemn procession honouring Britain’s fallen service members.
Harry expressed particular pride about the charity’s presence at both the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph Parade, noting the powerful statement made by such broad family representation.
100 relatives from 38 military families linked to Scotty’s Little Soldiers are set to mark Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph.
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Scotty’s Little Soldiers/PA
He said in his letter: “When you march, you’re showing the world what it means to remember with love and pride.
“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.”
Harry conveyed how their resilience serves as a source of inspiration, observing how they honour their fallen parents whilst continuing to embrace life fully.
The Duke of Sussex told the children: “Your mums and dads would be so proud of you. We all are.”
Harry emphasised the significance of national remembrance, describing it as an opportunity for Britain to unite in gratitude towards service members and their families.
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Scotty’s Little Soldiers/PA
Harry emphasised the significance of national remembrance, describing it as an opportunity for Britain to unite in gratitude towards service members and their families.
The royal wrote: “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.”
He also reassured the children that they were not facing their grief in isolation, stressing the support network surrounding them.
Harry said: “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”.
The charity was established fifteen years ago by Nikki Scott after her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was killed in Afghanistan whilst serving with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.
Members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers wear distinctive yellow and black striped scarves matching Corporal Scott’s regimental colours, which Harry noted as symbols of unity and strength.
Harry added: “Whenever I see those yellow and black scarves, I think of the unity, strength and sense of belonging that runs through Scotty’s.”
Nikki Scott said Harry’s message encapsulated the charity’s essence, describing the weekend as deeply moving yet filled with pride and connection.
Molly Reynolds, 21, whose father, Sergeant Antony Reynolds, died in 2018, described the duke’s letter as particularly meaningful.