Prince William opened up about his grief this past Tuesday while attending the official opening of the Glade of Light memorial, which honors of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.
The memorial in Manchester, England is located just outside of the Manchester Cathedral. It features the names of the twenty-two people who died and the 800 more who were physically and psychologically affected by the suicide bomber attack that took place at an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.
View this post on Instagram
“”I remember only too well the shock and grief on the faces of those I met when I visited Manchester in the days following the atrocity,” the Duke of Cambridge, who was joined by Duchess Kate Middleton at the memorial, said in his emotional speech. He recalled his memories of visiting Manchester shortly after the tragic event. “Five years on, I know the pain and the trauma felt by many has not gone away,” he continued.
The Duke went on to speak about the grief he has experienced in his own life. “As someone who lives with his own grief, I also know that what often matters most to the bereaved is that those we have lost are not forgotten,” he said.
William emphasized the importance of keeping the memories of those who have passed alive—just as those at the memorial had gathered to do. “There is comfort in remembering,” he said. “In acknowledging that, while taken horribly soon, they lived. They changed our lives. They were loved and they are loved.” What a heartfelt and honest statement.
View this post on Instagram
He went on to say that this need to ensure our loved ones are remembered after their death “is why memorials such as the Glade of Light are so important” and the very reason he and the Duchess chose to attend the memorial.
As he stated in his speech, William is no stranger to grief; his own mother, Princess Diana, passed when he was only 15. She has left her own mark on the world, both figuratively and physically, with numerous memorials such as the Diana Memorial Fountain in London’s Hyde Park, Place Diana in Paris, and a statue in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden, which was unveiled last year on her 60th birthday. Of course, William and his brother Harry were both present.
It’s tragic that the Duke had to endure so much grief at a young age, but it warms our heart to see him extending a loving hand to those who have also lost loved ones.
