**Prince Harry Attends Scotty’s Summer Festival for Bereaved Military Families**
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Prince Harry made a poignant visit to Scotty’s Summer Festival in Warwickshire, an event aimed at supporting children who have lost a parent in the armed forces. The festival took place on July 11, 2026, a day after the Duke of Sussex’s emotional reunion with his father, King Charles, at Highgrove House. This gathering was significant as it marked the first time King Charles had met his grandchildren since 2022.
The 41-year-old Duke of Sussex has been an advocate for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan. Harry has been involved with the charity since 2017 and took on the role of global ambassador in 2023, demonstrating his commitment to helping bereaved military families.
During the festival, which was held at Maxstoke Castle, Prince Harry engaged in various activities, including goat yoga and an inflatable obstacle course, where he was amusingly pelted with water balloons. Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the event also provided opportunities for deeper conversations among the attendees.
One particularly touching moment came from a nine-year-old girl named Poppy, whose father, Able Seaman Daniel Turnbull, passed away from leukemia in 2020. Poppy asked Prince Harry, “What makes you laugh when you’ve had a difficult day?” Harry responded candidly, touching his heart and admitting that there are days when it is challenging to find joy. He shared, “Sometimes it’s just a difficult day. It’s not always possible to laugh. But my dog makes me laugh, my children make me laugh. And if I need to laugh, I’ll probably put something really funny on the television.”
The Duke went on to emphasise the importance of support, especially for children grappling with loss. “You’ve got brothers and sisters, friends, this community… a laugh at the end of a hard day is the best medicine served,” he concluded, offering words of comfort to the many children present.
Harry’s ongoing commitment to Scotty’s Little Soldiers is evident, not just through public appearances, but also in his written communication with the children. Each year, he sends a letter around Remembrance Day, a time when many bereaved families reflect on their loved ones who served in the UK’s armed forces. In his 2025 letter, he expressed admiration for the resilience of the children connected through the charity. “You’re not alone in that,” he assured them, emphasizing that the community stands beside them.
The Duke’s trip to the UK this week has been multi-faceted. Alongside attending the festival, he is engaged in various charity events, including activities centred on the upcoming Invictus Games set to take place in Birmingham. His visit comes after a lengthy discussion regarding whether his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, would accompany him to the UK. The family managed to reunite with King Charles after a European holiday, although Meghan and the children did not participate in public events.
Harry’s cautious approach to travelling back to the UK follows his recent legal challenges concerning police protection while in the country. After losing an appeal to restore automatic protection, he expressed reservations about bringing his family to visit due to security concerns, stating he finds it “quite sad” that he is unable to share his homeland with his children.
Reflecting on his own childhood loss, having lost his mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12, Harry’s connection to bereaved military families at the festival highlights a shared understanding of grief and the importance of community support. His emotional presence and candid conversations have resonated with many there, reinforcing the essence of Scotty’s Little Soldiers: fostering a community for children navigating similar struggles.
Prince Harry’s participation in such events reinforces not only his dedication to charitable causes but also the tangible support he offers to families who have endured the loss of a loved one. As he continues his engagements across the UK, it is evident that his experiences shape his campaign for children’s wellbeing, particularly those impacted by military loss.