In a heartfelt new statement, Prince William has opened up about the profound impact of grief and loss, calling it “the worst pain any child or parent will ever endure.” The Prince of Wales, 42, shared his thoughts following the announcement of a significant merger between two prominent bereavement charities: Child Bereavement U.K. and Winston’s Wish.
As a longstanding patron of Child Bereavement U.K. since 2009, Prince William has witnessed firsthand the life-changing work that the organization has done to help families cope with the devastating loss of a loved one. In his statement, he acknowledged the growing need for support services for those grieving, particularly children who experience the loss of a parent or sibling.
“Grief is the very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure, and while we cannot prevent these losses, we can ensure that every possible type of expert support and care is given to help rebuild the lives of those affected,” Prince William said. He also emphasized that the newly formed collaboration between Child Bereavement U.K. and Winston’s Wish will amplify the support they can offer to families in need.
The Prince’s statement is personal for him, as he lost his mother, Princess Diana, in a tragic car accident in 1997 when he was just 15 years old. His brother, Prince Harry, was only 12 at the time. Since then, Prince William has been a vocal advocate for mental health and grief support, understanding the importance of providing resources for those dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of loss.
Julia Samuel, a close friend of Princess Diana and the founder of Child Bereavement U.K., praised Prince William’s dedication to the charity’s cause. She reflected on his ability to connect with people and provide comfort in times of hardship, noting that his warmth and authenticity resonate with others, much like his late mother.
“He has deep empathy – that really comes across – which is why people feel better for meeting him,” Samuel shared. “He has the genuineness that Diana had. They can see it in his face and hear it in his voice. He is warm, but very direct, just as she was.”
Prince William’s commitment to helping others through grief is deeply rooted in his own experiences. He has often spoken about how the loss of Princess Diana has shaped his perspective on life and his desire to give back to those facing similar challenges. In addition to his work with bereavement charities, he has taken on other causes close to his heart, such as homelessness and mental health.
In October 2024, Prince William released a two-part documentary titled Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which followed him through the early stages of his Homewards initiative. The initiative is a long-term project aimed at addressing homelessness and ensuring that it becomes “rare, brief, and unrepeated” in the future. In the documentary, the Prince recalls a visit to The Passage, a homeless shelter that his mother, Princess Diana, took him and Prince Harry to when they were children.
His experience at The Passage, where he met people facing homelessness, left a lasting impact on him. “It was incredible how happy an environment it was,” he said, reflecting on the positive atmosphere despite the difficult circumstances. This formative experience, among others, helped shape his understanding of the importance of empathy and community support, values that continue to drive his philanthropic work today.
With the merger of Child Bereavement U.K. and Winston’s Wish, Prince William’s involvement in supporting those who are grieving is set to grow even further. By lending his voice to these organizations, he continues to honor the memory of his mother, Princess Diana, while working to alleviate the pain that others face from loss. His openness and dedication to supporting grieving families are a testament to his deep compassion and the legacy of care left by his mother.
