Prince Harry, known for his unwavering support for military families, has once again shown his compassion and empathy in a touching video released by Scotty’s Little Soldiers. The charity, dedicated to helping bereaved military children, unveiled an emotional conversation between the Duke of Sussex and Nikki Scott, the charity’s founder, ahead of Armed Forces Day in the U.K.
A Heart-Wrenching Conversation
In the video titled “From Grief to Growth,” Prince Harry sits down with Nikki Scott to discuss the moment she had to tell her young son, Kai, about the death of his father, Corp. Lee Scott, who was killed in Afghanistan in July 2009. At the time, Kai was just five years old, and his sister, Brooke, was only seven months old.
Nikki Scott’s voice trembles as she recalls that devastating day. “It was the worst. How do you tell a 5-year-old this?” she says, wiping away tears. “Because I literally just shattered his world. He knew that life was never ever going to be the same.” Her words resonate deeply with Prince Harry, who understands the pain of losing a parent at a young age.
Prince Harry’s Empathy and Understanding
Prince Harry, whose mother Princess Diana died when he was 12, has always been open about his grief and has used his experiences to support others going through similar losses. His connection with Scotty’s Little Soldiers began in 2017 at an event at Buckingham Palace, where he met Nikki Scott and learned about the charity’s mission.
During their conversation, Harry praises Nikki for her incredible work. “What you’ve done is incredible, it is truly inspirational. I know that word gets thrown around a lot, but it is. And to see the difference in some of the kids here, especially some of the kids I met previously in 2017, they’re different people,” he says. “You can see that they’re still processing their grief, but this community of support is everything. It’s amazing.”
Nikki explains that her husband would have wanted to help other children in similar situations. “He would have wanted that, I know for a fact,” she says. Prince Harry agrees, adding, “For you, for an adult, it seems to be the same. You convince yourself that the person you’ve lost, you need to be sad for as long as possible to prove to them that they’re missed. But then, there’s this realization of, ‘No, they must want me to be happy.'”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers: A Beacon of Hope
Founded by Nikki Scott after her husband’s death, Scotty’s Little Soldiers provides support to children who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces. The charity has grown significantly, now supporting over 680 young people through various programs and a community network that helps them navigate their grief.
Prince Harry has been a strong advocate for the charity, participating in events and even dressing up as Spider-Man and sending messages as Santa Claus to bring joy to the children. Nikki Scott previously told PEOPLE, “The fact that [Harry] was bereaved as a child and served in the military, the young people we support really resonate with him.”
Celebrating Lives, Not Just Mourning Loss
The conversation between Harry and Nikki emphasizes the importance of celebrating the lives of lost loved ones rather than solely mourning their absence. “It’s about teaching young people to celebrate their parent’s lives,” Nikki says. Prince Harry echoes this sentiment, stating, “What you’ve done now is not only transitioned to that with not only the memories… but then the smiles you put on all these kids’ faces. That’s the medicine. That’s the antidote to the loss.”
A Community of Support
Scotty’s Little Soldiers has created a community where bereaved children can find solace and support. The charity’s programs include activities and events that help children bond with others who understand their pain. This community aspect is vital in helping them feel less isolated and more understood.
Prince Harry’s Continued Commitment
During his most recent visit to England in May, when he marked the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at a Scotty’s Little Soldiers event in his role as Global Ambassador. This visit underscores his ongoing commitment to supporting bereaved military families.
Prince Harry’s involvement with Scotty’s Little Soldiers highlights his deep understanding of the charity’s mission and the unique challenges faced by children who have lost a parent in the military. His personal experiences and his service in the British Army give him a unique perspective that resonates with the young people the charity supports.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s heartfelt conversation with Nikki Scott shines a light on the important work being done by Scotty’s Little Soldiers. His empathy and understanding, combined with Nikki’s dedication, have created a powerful force for good, providing much-needed support to bereaved military children. As Armed Forces Day approaches, this poignant video serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and the importance of coming together to support them.
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Source: https://people.com/prince-harry-appears-new-video-scottys-little-soldiers-8669546