Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a surprise visit to Uvalde, Texas, where they met the family of a teacher who was killed in a mass shooting.
Irma Garcia died in 2022 when a gunman fatally shot her, a classroom assistant and 19 children in Robb Elementary School.
Ms Garcia is said to have tried to protect her pupils. Her husband, Joe Garcia, died just a few days later when he unexpectedly had a heart attack, leading his family to believe he died of a broken heart.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle singing happy birthday to my mom ❤️🥰😭 pic.twitter.com/fss3TMmM6i
— JohnMtz ☀️ (@fuhknjo) March 9, 2024
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Texas on Friday for what would have been her birthday and met Ms Garcia's nephew John Martinez.
Harry and Meghan were then filmed singing happy birthday to her at a family gathering with the Duchess carrying a cake with candles
Mr Martinez, 22, said: “[Their visit] brought lots of tears of joy and heartfelt moments.
"They were the kindest, most humble people ever, it was like having family and friends over... we laughed a lot and shared intimate memories together.
“The cake was a surprise for my mum. Meghan and Harry are so thoughtful and sweet for doing that... I love you Sussex squad."
Harry and Meghan are not heard to speak in the short video.
My tia did not make it, she sacrificed herself protecting the kids in her classroom, i beg of you to keep my family including all of her family in y’all’s prayers , IRMA GARCIA IS HER NAME and she died a HERO. she was loved by many and will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/2XpdJA0q8x
— JohnMtz ☀️ (@fuhknjo) May 25, 2022
The Duke and Duchess are said to be in contact with the Garcia and Martinez families every other month.
Mr Martinez added in a tweet: “She sacrificed herself protecting the kids in her classroom.
“I beg of you to keep my family including all of her family in y’all’s prayers. Irma Garcia is her name and she died a hero. She was loved by many and will truly be missed.”
