Prince William has comforted a grieving young girl by telling her about losing his own mother when he was a child.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were on a visit to the Child Bereavement UK Centre in East London which is marking its one year anniversary, and provides support for children and families facing loss.
The royal couple were visiting the unit to learn about families who have children under five at risk of being taken into care, The Daily Mail reported.
Speaking to nine-year-old Aoife, whose father died of pancreatic cancer, Prince William asked her: "Do you know what happened to me? I lost my mummy when I was very young too.
"I was 15 and my brother was 12."
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, mother to William and Harry.
The prince added: "Do you speak about your daddy? It's very important to talk about it. Very, very important."
Aoife's mother Marie, said afterwards: "I couldn't believe it when he started to talk about his mother. It was very emotional and I was willing myself not to start to cry. I almost did.
"I am telling my children that if they take anything away from this day, it is what he said about how important it is to talk. Kids do not forget that."
The children were making memory jars in honour of their family members. The jars were filled with layers of multi-coloured salts, each colour representing a memory of their loved one.
Aoife told the prince she had chosen bright-coloured beads for her father who "loved gardening".
Newshub.
