Prince William tells Armed Forces families bereaved by suicide ‘You are not alone’

The Prince of Wales, who served in the Army himself, observes a training exercise in his role as colonel-in-chief of the Ist Battalion Mercian Regiment – ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

The Prince of Wales has spoken about the “power” in overcoming grief after losing loved ones as he expressed his support for Armed Forces families bereaved by suicide.

The 41-year-old Prince, who lost his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales at just 15, spoke of his experiences in a foreword to two guides published on Wednesday by Suicide Bereavement UK in support of veterans and families.

In it, he describes how he and the Princess of Wales have met many bereaved families over the years and understand the “power that comes from sharing experiences”.

The Prince wrote: “There is no time limit to processing grief, but Catherine and I have met many bereaved families over the years and know the power that comes from sharing experiences, even in the most tragic of circumstances.”

The Prince added that it was “essential that the voices of those bereaved by suicide are heard” and told the bereaved families: “You are not alone.”

On Thursday, the Prince will return to official Royal duties by visiting a food surplus distribution charity in Surrey and a youth centre in London.

They are his first official engagements since March 22, when his wife revealed that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

After the 42-year-old Princess’s announcement, made in a video message, the family retreated to Norfolk to spend time out of the public eye during the children’s Easter holidays.

The Prince of Wales said he and the Princess, pictured on a visit to meet Commonwealth troops deployed to take part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, had learnt from meeting many bereaved families – PETER BYRNE/PA WIRE

The free At Your Side guides, which were commissioned by NHS England, are based on the experiences and needs of those who took part in the Armed Forces Suicide Bereavement Study, including friends, colleagues, spouses, partners, adult children, parents or siblings of those who died by suicide during or after serving.

The Prince, who served in the Army with the Blues and Royals as well as working as an RAF search and rescue pilot, described how the loss of a loved one to suicide can be a complex and long-term experience.

He said he hoped the guides would act as a vital source of guidance and help to those who are processing loss “during what can be dark days of grief”.

“At times of national and international crisis we look to our Armed Forces to provide help, support and stability,” he said.

“Members of our Armed Forces never shy away from a challenge – harnessing their skills and working together to help others. But in times of great challenge, it can be tempting to hide one’s own needs.”

Bereavement organisation ‘so grateful’ to Prince

The Prince added: “Few of us will go through our lives without experiencing the loss of someone we love.

“Thankfully, suicide is rare within the Armed Forces community, but for those bereaved by suicide, this loss can be a complex and long-term experience.

“Often the stigma surrounding suicide can prevent those affected from speaking out and seeking help.”

Suicide Bereavement UK specialises in suicide bereavement research and the development of evidence-informed support materials for bereaved people.

The organisation said it was “so grateful” to William, who has long campaigned on raising awareness of mental health, for writing his message.

As well as the two guides for veterans and families, another for serving personnel is expected to be launched shortly.

The guides can be downloaded athttp://www.suicidebereavementuk.com/armedforces/

For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at [email protected] or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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