I still feel a hollow emptiness on Mother's Day, admits William

Published on Thursday 12 March 2009 23:37

PRINCE William last night spoke of the "emptiness" he feels on Mother's Day, since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, 12 years ago.

The prince made a moving speech as he became patron of the Child Bereavement Charity, with which his mother was associated.

He told the launch of the charity's Mother's Day campaign in London: "My mother, Diana, was present at your launch 15 years ago, and today I am incredibly proud to be able to continue her support for your fantastic charity, by becoming your royal patron.

"What my mother recognised then – and what I understand now – is that losing a close family member is one of the hardest experiences that anyone can ever endure.

"Never being able to say the word 'Mummy' again in your life sounds like a small thing.

"However, for many, including me, it's now really just a word – hollow and evoking only memories.

"I can therefore wholeheartedly relate to the Mother's Day campaign, as I too have felt – and still feel – the emptiness on such a day as Mother's Day."

The charity's campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the problems of mothers bereaved of a child, or children bereaved of their mother, on Mother's Day and every day.

The prince met families who have suffered a bereavement, including the Mays, from Lane End, near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Lilli May, 47, told reporters how her son Benny, 12, accidentally hanged himself with a towel in 2007. The prince spoke to her and her four other children aged 8 to 18.

"I had a book of photos that I showed the prince," said Ms May. "He's lost his mother. He was saying, 'You can't ignore it, there comes a point when you have to address issues, and find time to do that'.

"The charity has been fantastic to us, encouraging the children to talk about their feelings – they've been very helpful."

Prince William later hosted a formal dinner at St James's Palace for the first time.

BBC television and radio presenter Kirsty Young, actress Lisa Maxwell and radio DJ Sara Cox were among the guests celebrating the 40th anniversary of Centrepoint, the UK's leading homeless youth charity.

William, who has been patron of the charity since 2005, said: "My brother and I were lucky enough to grow up supported by the love and nurturing of our family.

"They saw to our education, our health, our well-being and every other need. So many young people have none of this.

"It is for them that Centrepoint represents the difference between misery and dejection, and a sense of hope and renewed self-confidence."

Centrepoint provides housing and support to improve the lives of homeless young people aged 16-25.

• Mother's Day is on 22 March.