Hospital by the Hill is a new book by author Chris Connaughton telling the story of a young child who lost his mother, a frontline health worker, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book intends to assist children who have lost a parent, and Prince Harry kindly wrote the foreword to the book.
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In the foreword, the Duke of Sussex dedicated an emotional message to young readers, recalling his own childhood. According to Harper's Bazaar, he wrote:
"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."
Harry tragically lost his mother Princess Diana in a 1997 car crash. He was only 12 years old at the time. In Hospital by the Hill, he wrote of the devastating loss: "At the time I didn't want to believe it or accept it, and it left a huge hole inside of me."
"Sad and reflective"
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Hospital by the Hill: Prince Harry gives comfort to children
However, the 36-year-old royal also knows that better days do come again. Here's his hopeful message to young people coping with loss:
"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."
Memories of lost family members remain forever and love is never forgotten, Harry concluded his foreword. Just last weekend, the Duke was also sure to honour Princess Diana on Mother's Day in the UK, when he arranged for flowers to be laid on his behalf at his late mother's grave.
Hospital by the Hill is being provided for free to any child in the UK affected by a loss.
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