Whether one is born to be King or brought up in simpler surroundings; it is never easy to lose someone you love. And i
t is a lesson that Prince William learned early on. The world was a witness to the tragic passing of his beloved mother, Princess Diana, when she died in a car accident on August 31, 1997 in Paris, France. The Prince was just fifteen at the time.
So it seemed fitting that he would pay tribute to his late mother, at a fundraiser for an organization close to her heart which in turn, also helps those who have faced a similar sense of loss.
“Twenty-one years ago last month, my mother attended the launch of the Child Bereavement Charity.” William said to 270 attendees at the 21st anniversary celebration of the UK Bereavement Charity at Banqueting House.
“Fifteen years later, I was honoured to be invited to become Patron of Child Bereavement UK to continue my mother’s commitment to a charity which is very dear to me.” He continued, “What my mother recognised back then – and what I understand now – is that grief is the most painful experience that any child or parent can endure.”
He then added “CBUK’s humanity is simply unparalleled, and it is deeply moving.” As a father to two young children myself, I now appreciate it all the more.”
Child Bereavement was founded by Julia Samuel, a close friend of Princess Diana and a godmother to William’s son Prince George. It was set up by Jenni Thomas OBE and helps support families when a baby or a young child dies or is facing imminent death. It also helps children who are facing bereavement themselves.
Princess Diana attended the opening of the charity in a bid to give them publicity, three years prior to her death.
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