The Duke of Sussex’s emotional foreword (usually written by someone other than the author and who are well versed in the context of the book’s content) for the picture book “Hospital by the Hill”, is causing many to feel for the young father who had to grow up without his mother for most of his life. The book was created to tell reflect the life of a young person, who is made to come to terms with losing their mother to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of her job on the frontlines.
Prince Harry, in his foreward included in the book, addresses the loss of Princess Diana in 1997 – when he was just 12 and his brother, Prince William, was 15 – and how different people cope with loss. After all, it can be easy to forget that Princess Diana, while being the Queen of People’s Hearts, was even more than that to them – she was their mother.
The full foreward, obtained by Town & Country magazine, reads:
“If you are reading this book, it’s because you’ve lost your parent or a loved one, and while I wish I was able to hug you right now, I hope this story is able to provide you comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.
When I was a young boy I lost my mum. At the time I didn’t want to believe it or accept it, and it left a huge hole inside of me. I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that over time that hole will be filled with so much love and support. We all cope with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love and the memories of them do not. They are always with you and you can hold onto them forever. I find this to be true.
Now, I never met them, but I know this person was special to you, and they were someone incredibly kind, caring and loving because of where they chose to work. Helping others is one of the most important jobs anyone can ever do.
You may feel alone, you may feel sad, you may feel angry, you may feel bad. This feeling will pass. And I will make a promise to you – you will feel better and stronger once you are ready to talk about how it makes you feel.
I hope this book helps remind you of just how special your parent or loved one was. And how special you are too.”
‘Hospital by the Hill’ is set to be released to mark the National Day of Reflection in the UK (the first anniversary of the UK lockdown, to commemorate this tragic loss of life and to stand together with everyone who’s grieving) on March 23.
*Cover image credit: @hospitalbythehill / @princessdianaa