Prince Harry gets emotional as bereaved children ask him what helps through tough days

Prince Harry has opened up about the small moments that bring him comfort during difficult times, sharing a heartfelt message while spending time with bereaved military children in the U.K.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, attended Scotty’s Summer Festival in Warwickshire on Saturday, July 11, one day after reuniting with his father, King Charles, alongside his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.

The family gathering at Highgrove House marked the first time King Charles and Queen Camilla had seen Archie and Lilibet since 2022.

During his visit to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity supporting children who have lost a parent who served in the armed forces, Harry took part in activities including goat yoga and a water balloon obstacle course.

The royal, who lost his own mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12, also shared an emotional moment with the children when nine-year-old Poppy asked him what makes him laugh after a difficult day.

Harry immediately touched his heart before responding: “That got me right there.”

“You know what, sometimes it’s just a difficult day. It’s not always possible to laugh,” he said.

“But my dog makes me laugh, my children make me laugh. And if I need to laugh, I’ll probably put something really funny on the television.”

Harry also reminded the children that sadness and difficult emotions are a normal part of life.

“But there are some days when you’d like to laugh, but it might not always be possible to laugh,” he explained. “But you’ve got brothers and sisters, friends, this community.”

He added that laughter after a challenging day can be “the best medicine served.”

Harry has supported Scotty’s Little Soldiers since 2017 and became the charity’s global ambassador in 2023.

The organisation was founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott after her husband, Corp. Lee Scott, died during a tour of Afghanistan in 2009.

The Duke of Sussex has often spoken about his connection to children who have experienced loss, drawing from his own experience of grieving his mother and his years serving in the British Army.

In a previous letter to members of the charity, Harry encouraged children to remember that they are surrounded by support.

“You’ve got each other, and a whole community of friends and family who understand what this time means,” he wrote.

During his latest U.K. trip, Harry has continued his long-standing charity work, including visits connected to the 2027 Invictus Games and organisations close to his heart.