The Heartbreaking Tribute Prince Harry Penned To Princess Diana

The tragic death of Princess Diana in a car crash in 1997 had a lasting impact on her son, Prince Harry, who was just 12 years old at the time. Years later, Harry remembered feeling "disbelief" and "refused to accept it," as he said in the 2017 documentary Diana, 7 Days (via People).

"There was no sudden outpour of grief," said Prince Harry. "I don't think anybody in that position at that age would be able to understand the concept of what that actually means, going forward."

Prince Harry recently opened up more about the staggering loss in the foreword of a children's book, Hospital by the Hill, which was written for children struggling with the loss of a loved one in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If you are reading this book, it's because you've lost your parent or a loved one, and while I wish I was able to hug you right now, I hope this story is able to provide you comfort in knowing that you're not alone," wrote Prince Harry (via Elle).

Prince Harry wrote about his own difficult loss and how "it left a huge hole inside of me." The prince expressed empathy for those suffering a similar loss, writing, "I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that over time that hole will be filled with so much love and support."

The royal also offered words of encouragement to young readers, saying, "We all cope with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love and the memories of them do not. They are always with you and you can hold onto them forever. I find this to be true. We all cope with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love and the memories of them do not. They are always with you and you can hold onto them forever. I find this to be true."