The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a poignant message to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, showing solidarity to families affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
William and Catherine posted a photograph of a burning candle on their official Twitter account on Wednesday, October 15, as they joined people around the world in remembering babies who have died during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
The image showed an amber-coloured candle bearing the words “Wave of Light”, accompanied by the hashtag #WaveOfLight.
The simple but powerful post was shared as Baby Loss Awareness Week drew to a close, offering a moment of reflection for bereaved parents and families.
Marking Baby Loss Awareness Week #WaveOfLight https://t.co/nJrco7jXae
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 15, 2026
Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place from October 9 to 15 each year, bringing together people affected by pregnancy and baby loss to remember their babies, share their experiences and raise awareness of the support available.
The annual campaign also seeks to improve bereavement care, prevent avoidable deaths and ensure that families receive the help they need following the loss of a baby.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’s message comes as people across the UK and beyond take part in the campaign’s annual Wave of Light.
The initiative invited people to light a candle at 7pm on October 15 in memory of babies who have died. Participants are encouraged to keep their candles burning for at least an hour, creating a wave of light that moves across the world as different time zones reach the same moment.
William and Catherine joined in, posting a photo of their candle online at 7:01pm.
For many, the occasion offers an opportunity to remember their babies and acknowledge the lasting impact of their loss.
Baby Loss Awareness Week also provides a platform for bereaved parents to share their stories, helping others understand the emotional challenges that can follow pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Organisers stress that there is no right or wrong way to remember a child. Some families attend memorial services or join community events, while others choose to mark the occasion privately.
The campaign has grown considerably since its beginnings in the UK in 2002, when a group of parents established the first Baby Loss Awareness Day, inspired by similar commemorations in the United States.
The following year, the campaign expanded into a week of activities, with events organised across the country. Since then, it has developed into an important annual opportunity to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss and improve support for affected families.
Charities involved in the campaign include Sands, the Miscarriage Association, the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC).
Beyond remembrance, the organisations work to improve bereavement services, support families through difficult experiences and reduce preventable pregnancy losses and baby deaths.
