Prince Harry, sharing his personal grief, emphasized the importance of discussing emotions to ease the grieving process, during a conversation with Nikki Scott, founder of bereaved military children's charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

During the conversation, Harry delved into his own experience of losing his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. He stressed that discussing emotions can significantly ease grief, especially for children, and praised Nikki Scott for her work with the charity. Scott, who founded Scotty’s Little Soldiers after losing her husband in Afghanistan, shared her own story of breaking the news to her young son. The charity supports over 2,000 children annually who have lost a parent in military service, a mission Harry passionately supports as its Global Ambassador.

Prince Harry was only 12 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a tragic car crash in Paris. Recounting the harrowing experience, he mentioned how her loss has deeply influenced his approach towards grief and the importance of openly discussing emotions.

In his conversation with Nikki Scott, Prince Harry shared his belief that talking about grief not only helps in making sense of one's loss but also aids in the healing process. 'You convince yourself that the person you’ve lost wants you, or you need to be sad for as long as possible to prove to them that they are missed. But then there’s this realization of, no they must want me to be happy,' he said.

Nikki Scott, who lost her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in July 2009, spoke about the difficult moment she had to explain his death to their then 5-year-old son. The deep emotional challenge of conveying such news to a young child underscored her motivation to support other bereaved military children through Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

Founded in the aftermath of her personal loss, Scotty’s Little Soldiers aims to support children who have lost a parent in the military by providing guidance, counseling, and community support. According to the charity, annually about 2,100 children in the UK experience the loss of a military parent.

Prince Harry praised Nikki Scott for turning her tragedy into a beacon of hope for others, acknowledging the vital role her charity plays in the lives of bereaved military families. He pointed out that initiatives like Scotty’s Little Soldiers help create a support network that can considerably lighten the emotional load carried by these young individuals.

'Talking about grief makes things easier for children,' Prince Harry stated, reiterating his message that open conversations about feelings can play a crucial part in coping mechanisms for young people dealing with loss. He emphasized that these discussions can not only validate the children's emotions but also offer them the security and comfort they need during their vulnerable times.

As the Global Ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Prince Harry's involvement includes advocating for the charity's mission, raising awareness, and ensuring that the voices of bereaved military children are heard. His role further cements his dedication to providing support for those who have faced similar losses.

Both Prince Harry and Nikki Scott's experiences reflect the universal struggle with grief and the profound impact it can have on young lives. Through their candid conversation, they reinforced the idea that addressing emotional pain openly can aid recovery and foster resilience, thereby promoting a supportive environment for bereaved children.

In addition, Prince Harry's advocacy sheds light on the experiences of military children impacted by the loss of a parent, highlighting the importance of talking about emotions during the grieving process.

The charity's work, amplified by Prince Harry’s efforts, continues to provide crucial aid and companionship to children navigating the tough journey of losing a parent due to military service. As they advance their mission, the shared experiences of figures like Prince Harry and Nikki Scott serve as powerful testimonials to the healing power of shared grief and emotional openness.