Prince William talks about losing his mom, we want to hug him

Last night at a charity dinner for Child Bereavement UK, Prince William gave a moving speech that’s giving us all the feels. In a rare moment of personal candor, he spoke about losing his mom, the late Princess Diana, who helped start the charity back in 1994.

At the event, which was a celebration of the organization’s 21st anniversary, he said, “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.”

It’s not often that Prince William speaks publicly about his mom, which is totally understandable. Dealing with such a heartbreaking loss while the entire world watches has got to be tough, especially when you’re 15, which is how old William was when Diana passed away. Everyone is entitled to grieve privately, even royalty. Hearing the Duke of Cambridge talk about such a difficult time makes us remember that he’s a person, just like the rest of us. It also makes us appreciate how much he loved his mom.

Child Bereavement UK is run by one of Princess Diana’s personal friends, Julia Samuel, who also happens to be Prince George’s godmother. The charity helps families who are dealing with the loss of a child, as well as children who are faced with the death of a parent. Last night, Prince William said, “Twenty one years ago last month, my mother attended the launch of the Child Bereavement Charity. Fifteen years later, I was honored to be invited to become Patron of Child Bereavement UK to continue my mother’s commitment to a charity which is very dear to me…When many people slink away at the sight of a friend’s bereavement, CBUK’s staff embrace strangers at the darkest moment in their life.”

We can totally see why he holds the charity in such high regard, and we know his mom would be proud to see him carrying out her legacy in such heartfelt fashion. Hugs to you, William.

You can read the moving speech in its entirety here.

[All images via Twitter.]