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British RoyalsPrince & Princess of Wales

The Duke of Cambridge attends Child Bereavement UK gala dinner: “You shine a beacon of light in the darkness as families learn to live with their loss”

The Duke of Cambridge attended a dinner last night at Kensington Palace in honour of Child Bereavement UK’s 25th anniversary.

In a speech, William praised the work of Child Bereavement UK, saying that it is “a truly remarkable organisation.”

He continued, “With great sympathy and sensitivity, you have spent the last 25 years working with children, young people and families to help them navigate the difficult path of grief.

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“This is a path no-one chooses. It has no map. And no end. But with careful support, it is a path that can become easier under foot. The impact of this support is brought home to me every time I meet people who are helped by Child Bereavement UK.”

The dinner was attended by the organisation’s workers, as well as families who have used its services.

William reflected on the organisation’s start, and how his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, had worked with Julia Samuel, its founder patron, on her speech to mark the event in 1994.

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“They both saw then the game changer this charity could be for those in the darkest depths of grief, struggling to find a route out. Twenty-five years later, it is with great pride that I stand here as your patron to celebrate the successes you have had since that day.”

He continued:

“An ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on, is sometimes all it takes to lighten the burden in the smallest of ways. And that is what you have provided.

“You have also played a pivotal role in changing attitudes – and helping people to talk more freely about the way they are feeling and the daily challenges they face.

“By providing professionals and people across the UK with the tools and guidance they need to support friends, family and colleagues who are bereaved, you are helping to create a support network aimed at providing comfort to those in the most painful situations.

“And you shine a beacon of light in the darkness as families learn to live with their loss, and find hope – and laughter – again.”

William has been Child Bereavement UK’s patron since 2009.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.