During a heartfelt visit to the Child Bereavement UK center in Widnes on February 5, Prince William opened up about his own experiences with grief, reflecting on the profound impact of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at the tender age of 15.
Now 42, the Prince of Wales serves as the patron of the charity, a role he inherited in 2009 from his late mother, who was deeply committed to supporting bereaved families.
Prince William grief
Speaking candidly, Prince William emphasized the emotional challenges that come with mourning a loved one.
“Sometimes the hardest thing about grief is finding the words for how you actually feel,” he admitted.
He stressed the importance of having support systems, especially in the early years of coping with loss, noting that such guidance helps individuals manage both their emotions and daily lives.
During his visit, William interacted with children, families, volunteers, and staff who benefit from and support the organization.
Among them were Rebecca, 17, and Daniel, 18, both of whom lost their fathers at a young age. They shared how comforting it was to connect with someone who truly understood their pain.
Rebecca remarked that William’s empathy resonated deeply because he experienced a similar loss at their age, while Daniel appreciated the Prince’s down-to-earth demeanor, recognizing his role in raising awareness for the charity’s vital work.
Child Bereavement UK, founded by Julia Samuel—a close friend of Princess Diana and godparent to Prince George—provides free, confidential support to young people up to age 25, as well as couples and families.
The charity operates across multiple locations and offers virtual services through phone, video, and instant messaging.
Reflecting on the organization’s approach, William highlighted the significance of creating genuine connections. “It’s important to feel there’s a bond. You need a bit of understanding. It can’t be too clinical,” he noted, underscoring the value of empathy in the healing process.