Life will always be all right, you know
BY RUSSELL MYERS JUST 12 when his own mother died, Prince Harry had a heartfelt message of reassurance for a bereaved six-year-old lad.
The Duke of Sussex yesterday told Otia Nante, whose mum took her own life when he was one: “Life will always be all right, you know that.”
The tender moment was shared as Harry and wife Meghan stopped to chat with the youngster during a walkabout in Auckland, New Zealand.
The prince spent several minutes comforting Otia and his grandmother Te Nante, who said Harry then turned to Meghan and said: “[I have a] beautiful wife, baby on the way.
“Your life is going to be sorted, don’t you worry about that.”
Mrs Nante, 52, who looks after her grandson, also told local news: “Harry said, ‘Everything will be fine, you will grow up to be strong and positive’.”
The duke, 34, praised Mrs Nante and showed gratitude for the role the Queen played in raising him after the death of his mum Diana in 1997.
He said: “You’re doing a great job, Nan. Nans are so important in our lives.” As they met other well-wishers, pregnant Meghan was seen bonding with a little girl over a cuddly toy and clutching her baby bump.
Earlier, the couple shared a lighter moment while “welly wanging” with schoolchildren – seeing who can throw Wellington boots the furthest.
Harry threw first for his team, comprising two pupils from the city’s SQUEEZY DOES IT Duchess with children GAME Welly wanging Pinehill Primary School. The duchess, 37, was last to throw from her team, which had been lagging behind.
Cheered on by pupils shouting “Go Meghan”, her throw clinched it for her team, who won a trophy. The youngsters said the duchess was delighted. Ryen Anderson, 10, said: “She didn’t know she could throw that far and she surprised herself. She was pleased we’d won.” The couple closed the 15th day of their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand by visiting Pillars charity, which supports children who have a parent in prison.
They praised young people who had achieved sporting or academic excellence despite family difficulties.
Harry told them: “Both Meghan and I are thrilled to be able to spend time with you during our first visit to Auckland together.
“The support of Pillars helps to break the cycle.
“It helps to create choices which didn’t previously exist for many young people.”