The family of a soldier Prince Harry served with in Afghanistan in 2008 have shared a letter the prince sent them following their son’s unexpected death. Warrant Officer Class 2 Nathan Hunt was found dead at his home on 2nd January of this year.
Hunt joined the Royal Engineers before he turned 16 and served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Iraq in addition to serving several tours of Afghanistan. His courage was recognised with a Mention in Dispatches in 2008 when he was honoured for locating roadside bombs in Helmand Province during a secret mission to ambush the enemy.
Hunt’s parents, Derek and Maria Hunt, are hopeful that their son’s death will help end the stigma of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suffered by many returning service men and women. They have shared the letter they received from Prince Harry as they wanted to show what a “caring commander” he was.
Prince Harry’s letter states:
“Dear Mr and Mrs Hunt,
I wanted to write and say how deeply saddened I was to hear the news last week that Nathan had passed away. Nathan and I served together in Afghanistan when he was attached to the Household Cavalry Regiment in 2007/2008.
I remember our time serving together on that tour with fond memories. Not only was Nathan a highly professional soldier, respected by all those who worked with him, but he also had a keen sense of humour. The work we were engaged in was made easier and safer thanks to the difficult and challenging work Nathan overtook. It was also more enjoyable thanks to his particular take on the world.
It is so cruel to have a family member taken from you at such an early age. Please know that you both and Megan are in my thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with you at this most difficult of times.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Nathan’s mother, Maria said “The letter was a lovely gesture by Harry and he said some lovely things about Nathan. I felt honoured to receive it and it meant a great deal to us.”
Since Nathan’s passing the Military Mental Health Helpline has been launched, providing 24/7 support to troops facing mental health issues. The helpline can be reached in the UK at 0800 3232 4444.
