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Prince Harry channeled his own experience of losing a parent into a gripping preface to a special book written for children who experienced the loss of a parent or loved one during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hospital at the Hill tells the story of a young person who is mourning the loss of their mother, who was a front worker in a hospital. The gripping theme of the book – which speaks to children from all walks of life who have recently lost a loved one – is one of the reasons why the Duke of Sussex chose to personally support the project.
In the opening chapter, Prince Harry pays tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, whom he tragically lost at the age of twelve. ‘If you’re reading this book, it’s because you lost a parent or a loved one, and I wish I could embrace you at the moment, I hope this story can give you comfort in knowing that you are not alone, ‘writes the Duke.
He continues: ‘When I was a young boy, I lost my mother. At the time, I did not want to believe or accept it, and it left a big hole in me. I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that the hole will be filled with so much love and support over time. We can all deal with the loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love and the memories of it. They are always with you and you can hold on to them forever. I find that true. ”
The book is released to coincide with the British Day of Reflection and is free for any child or young person in the country affected by the loss of loved ones to COVID-19.
In a statement shared with BAZAAR.com, author Chris Connaughton said: ‘I wish it would provide a connection, support and hope through the difficult and terrible times of mourning. It is also a great honor – and a service to young people – that The Duke of Sussex supports this project and shares its open, sincere and honest words with children across the country. “
The project was started by the charity Simon Says for the support of childcare. Co-founder Sally Stanley says the idea to create a book came about when the deaths of frontline workers began to increase at the start of the pandemic last spring. “Getting rid of a loved one is very difficult at any time in the life of a child or young person,” says Stanley. ‘The restrictions that surrounded the close contact of family members during the pandemic make it much harder for them to say goodbye as we are used to. I hope this book will help children and young people remember their special person whose job it was to help others. ”
Founding member Victoria Hussey adds: “This book is a way to say thank you and support a small part of children and young people’s grief process by opening conversations and feeding their memories to their loved one.”
Hospital at the Hill, illustrated by Fay Troote, also promotes the services offered by two further charities – Child Bereavement UK and charities Winston’s Wish, which provide emotional and practical care for children.
You can read the conditional permission of the Duke of Sussex in full below.
If you are reading this book, it is because you have lost your parent or a loved one, and although I wish I could embrace you at the moment, I hope this story will enable you to know that you are not alone.
When I was a young boy, I lost my mother. At the time, I did not want to believe or accept it, and it left a big hole in me. I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that the hole will be filled with so much love and support over time. We can all deal with the loss in a different way, but when an elder goes to heaven, I am told that they have their spirit and love.
Now I have never met them, but I know this person was special to you, and they were an incredibly friendly, caring and loving person because of the place they chose. Helping others is one of the most important tasks anyone can ever do.
You may feel alone, you may feel sad, you may feel angry and you may feel bad. This feeling will pass. And I will make a promise to you – you will feel better and stronger as soon as you are ready to talk about how it makes you feel.
I hope this book can remind you how special your parent or loved one was. And no matter how special you are.
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