Prince Williampaid tribute to a special charity that was a favorite cause of his late mother,Princess Diana.
He also made a passionate speech about the impact that the charity has made.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Chris Jackson/Getty
He added, “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.”
Prince William.Chris Jackson/Getty
The charity is an important one for the prince, who knows what it is like to need help following sudden grief.
“I have witnessed firsthand the difference CBUK has made and continues to make to the lives of bereaved families,” William said four years ago at its21st birthday gala. Then, he spoke about how important it was for him to become its patron in 2009 and “to continue my mother’s commitment to a charity which is very dear to me.”
“What my mother recognized back then and what I understand now is that grief is the most painful experience that any child or parent can endure,” he said.
The founding trustee of Child Bereavement UK is grief counselorJulia Samuel, who was a close friend and Diana. William and wifeKate Middletonchose her to be one of the godparents to their sonPrince George.
source: people.com
