Prince William Hosts Private Dinner at Windsor Castle to Mark Child Bereavement UK’s 30th Anniversary
A private dinner was held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Child Bereavement UK, with Prince William, the Prince of Wales, hosting the special occasion. According to a report from GB News, the Prince welcomed members and supporters of the charity, which holds a special place in his heart.
The charity, founded by Julia Samuel, a close friend of Princess Diana, has been a long-standing patronage of Prince William’s since 2009, when he succeeded his mother as its patron. As GB News reports, Child Bereavement UK represents one of his longest-standing patronages, with the Prince regularly visiting its facilities across Britain to speak with those he meets about coping with grief.
The organisation has deep personal significance for Prince William, who lost his mother at the age of 15. Julia Samuel, the founder of Child Bereavement UK, is so close to William and his wife that they chose her as a godparent for their eldest son, Prince George, now 11. In 2017, during a visit to the charity’s London-based centre, Samuel told PEOPLE: "Bereavement and particularly child death, which is so unbearable to think about is something William is shining a light on."
During a visit to the charity in February 2025, Prince William reflected on his own experience with childhood grief. As quoted by GB News, he said: "Sometimes the hardest thing about grief is finding the words for how you actually feel. It’s crucial for those first few years, particularly, [that] you have support like this. It’s got you in your practice, how to help yourself." He continued, "The mind gets focused on one thing, doesn’t it? It’s very difficult to do school and normal life."
Prince William’s attendance at the private dinner was confirmed in the Court Circular, the official account of royal engagements, with GB News providing details of the event. The Prince has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of supporting bereaved families. In 2017, he comforted a young girl grieving for her father, telling her, "I lost my mummy when I was very young too." He added, "Do you know what happened to me? You know I lost my mummy when I was very young, too. I was [15], and my brother was 12."
Through his continued patronage of Child Bereavement UK, Prince William honours his mother’s legacy while providing meaningful support to bereaved families. As GB News reports, the charity’s work is a testament to the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s compassion and kindness. By continuing to support this charity, Prince William demonstrates his commitment to carrying on his mother’s work and making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by bereavement.
The private dinner at Windsor Castle serves as a poignant reminder of the Prince’s enduring dedication to this cause, and GB News will continue to provide updates on the Royal Family’s engagements and charitable work.
