Duchess’s words of comfort for women touched by grief
THE DUCHESS of Cambridge has sympathised with military families who have lost loved ones, telling them they should be “proud” of their achievements and “the sacrifice and the bravery that they’ve shown”.
Kate marked Remembrance week by speaking to three women who have mourned the loss of partners or immediate family, and heard how the Royal British Legion had supported them.
Speaking via a video call on Monday, the Duchess said: “I’m sure you spend your time every day remembering your loved ones but it’s so important that the nation comes together and really spends time thinking about those who have lost their lives and the families that have been impacted.
“It’sbeenarealhonourtospeak to all of you and I think I speak for the whole nation when I say just how proud you should be of your loved ones, and for the sacrifice and the bravery that they’ve shown. I’ll certainly be thinking of you this difficult week and will be for many years to come.”
Last week, the Duke of Cambridge held video calls with members of the RAF, Navy and Army – and told British Armed Services who are serving around the globe that the nation was “grateful” for their sacrifices.
Serena Alexander, from London, described the moment her son, Sam, said he wanted to join the Marines before going on his first tour to Afghanistan, when he was awarded the military cross for rescuing his commanding officer from the Taliban.
“Very sadly on his second tour, they were inspecting a compound and an IED went off and killed Sam, his commanding officer and an interpreter,” she said.
“That was when we first met the Royal British Legion, firstly on repatriation when they were just so kind at Wootton Bassett and just so warm and loving and helpful and just friendly at a time that was so dreadfully sad.”
Mrs Alexander told the Duchess that it was such a bleak time, the Legion had provided a “kind of comfort blanket” with not just practical support but also moral support that was so welcome.