The Duke of Cambridge has spoken of the pride his mother would have had in an organization she helped launch 21 years ago. Addressing those gathered to mark the special anniversary of Child Bereavement UK, William said he understood the importance of their work even more now that he himself was a father.
The Duke of Cambridge was in London to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Child Bereavement UK which helps parents who have lost children but also offers support to young people who have lost a parent. And during his speech, William alluded to his own personal experiences when he said that ‘’grief is the most painful experience any parent or child can endure.’’
Child Bereavement UK was established in 1994 with the support of Diana, Princess of Wales. William said that his mother ‘’was determined to help those in need and she would have been immensely proud – as I am – of all that Child Bereavement UK has achieved these last 21 years.’’
William, who became royal patron of the organization six years ago, joined a host of famous faces at the dinner which was held in Whitehall. Among those present was singer Gary Barlow – he and his wife, Dawn, suffered the loss of a child in 2012 when their daughter, Poppy, was stillborn. Gary Barlow said that ‘’Dawn and I have always felt that our own personal bereavement was too painful and private to talk or comment on publicly. Instead I will sing joyous music in support of Child Bereavement UK to say thank you for all the help it has given us and many other families.’’
Child Bereavement UK’s Founder Patron is Julia Samuel who was a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales and who was asked by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to be a godmother to Prince George. At the Whitehall event she praised the work of the organization and said ‘’we have real confidence in our ability to go forward and reach out to the people who need us most.’’
And Prince William asked all those present to continue giving their support to the charity before wishing it a happy birthday.
