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Prince Harry inspired bereaved children with a heartfelt anecdote about how he commemorates his late mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke of Sussex met with the youngsters during his recent trip to the UK, which also included preparations for next year’s Invictus Games.

The meetup was one of many visits Harry has made with vulnerable children around the world. He is also known for his direct involvement with children’s charities, including Scotty’s Little Soldiers and WellChild.

Prince Harry Shares Family Tradition Honoring Diana

Prince Harry recently stopped by Scotty’s Summer Festival at Maxstoke Castle in Warwickshire, organized by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people.

There, he spoke with children in attendance, including a bereaved boy named Sebastian, who asked how he marks his mother’s birthday and the anniversary of her death.

Responding to the question, the former senior royal divulged a family tradition he shares with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“We do lemon drizzle cake,” the duke told the teenager, whose father died in 2010, per the BBC. “I think traditions are really, really important, especially when they’re sweet.”

The Duke Shared How He Copes With Difficult Days

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Harry’s remarks carried added significance, as the gathering came several weeks before the August 31 anniversary of Princess Diana’s death.

While the milestone is likely to stir up painful memories, the duke shared the trick he relies on to make himself laugh on difficult days.

“Sometimes it’s just a difficult day,” Harry told another child, Poppy, who prompted the question.

He added, “It’s not always possible to laugh, but my dog makes me laugh, my children make me laugh, and if I need to laugh, I’ll probably put something really funny on the television.”

Prince Harry Urges Bereaved Kids To Lean On Community

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After sharing his coping strategy, the prince gave the children some simple advice they could use whenever they faced a similarly difficult moment.

“You’ve got brothers and sisters, friends, this community,” Harry said. “But yes, I think the point is that a laugh at the end of a hard day is the best medicine.”

Adding to the list, Harry mentioned that exercise also helps, then gave the children a few examples they could try.

“Whether it’s going for a walk through nature, taking the dog for a walk, or swimming in the cold sea — I love that — just to get yourself out and moving,” he noted.

Harry’s Compassion For Bereaved Kids Spans Decades

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Harry’s stop at the summer festival during his UK visit comes as no surprise, as the prince has long been passionate about supporting bereaved and vulnerable children, dating back to his young adulthood.

Many of his international trips have included visits to children’s homes, orphanages, and hospitals.

One such display of his compassion came during his first solo royal tour of Brazil in 2012. During the visit, he met young children who had lost a parent to drugs, violence, or imprisonment and listened as they shared their stories.

He later revealed during a return visit to the country two years later just how deeply the experience had touched him.

“I think some of the children’s stories almost reduced me to tears, but the smiles on their faces show the positive impact that their community is having on them,” Harry said at the time.

Prince Harry Remains Committed To Vulnerable Children

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Over the years, Harry’s affection for vulnerable children has also extended to his direct involvement with several charities.

In 2023, he became the first Global Ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, although he had been working with the nonprofit since 2017.

Harry is also currently a patron of WellChild, a charity that supports seriously ill children and young people. He has served in the role since 2007 and recently visited  Birmingham Children’s Hospital to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity’s WellChild Nurse program.

Even more notable was his role in co-founding Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho after being moved by the plight of children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.

Harry remained a patron of the charity for 19 years before stepping down alongside Prince Seeiso in March 2025 amid a dispute between its trustees and chair, Sophie Chandauka.

The Prince Harry Comforts Bereaved Kids With Diana Story first appeared on The Blast