Prince Harry has reassured bereaved children that it is "OK to feel however you feel at Christmas".
The Duke of Sussex - who was just 12 years old when his mother Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997 - joined a virtual party for 280 young people who have experienced the death of a parent in the British armed forces and reassured the group they always have the support of their loved ones and others involved with the Scott's Little Soldiers charity.
Harry, who is Global Ambassador for the organisation, said: “It’s okay to feel however you feel at Christmas.
"Some people will be celebrating and happy, other people feel reflective, some people will be sad, and maybe you’ll experience every single one of these emotions and that’s absolutely fine.
“Remember you’ve got each other, you’ve got Scotty’s and you’ve got the people that love you."
The prince wore a Santa hat for the occasion as he answered some questions from the group, while the military children also enjoyed a series of interactive games such as making snowmen from toilet paper and building towers out of cushions.
A 23-year-old charity member named Bethan - whose dad, David Comber, died while serving with the Royal Corps of Signals in 2011 - also joined Harry in answering questions and she felt a "real connection" to the prince.
She said in a press release about the event: “It was great to have so many members of Scotty’s together. The games were good fun and helped everyone feel involved. I felt a real connection with Prince Harry.
“The party was upbeat and in no way sombre, but Prince Harry reminded us that he understands what we have all been through and that it’s okay to feel a mixture of emotions.
"He also made it clear to us that he is part of the Scotty’s community and proud to support us, which means a lot.”
Scotty's Little Soldiers founder Nikki Scott - who founded the organisation in 2010 following the death of her husband, Cpl. Lee Scott, in Afghanistan - praised Harry for making the party a "special and memorable" occasion for the children.
She said in a statement: “Christmas can be a difficult time for bereaved children and young people, but this event reminded our members that they are part of a community that cares and understands.
“At Scotty’s, we organise a number of in-person events, but having this party virtually meant that it was open to all our members. Events, whether in-person or virtual, help remind our members that they aren’t alone. We also find that after events, families are more likely to get in touch and ask for help if they are struggling.
“Prince Harry has been a massive supporter of Scotty’s for a number of years and having him at our virtual Christmas party made it really special and memorable for our members.”
