Prince Harry has always been known for having a heart of gold. The 35-year-old Duke of Sussex has an ability to connect with people that's reminiscent of his mother, the late Princess Diana. A recent act of kindness proves that Harry's sense of charity and doing what's right is what he's truly about.
Hayley Smallman has been involved with WellChild for many years. The UK charity is for children who are seriously ill or have exceptional health needs. Harry has been a patron of the charity since 2007. He's previously met Hayley and her children. When he learned their family was hit with the loss of Hayley's 18-year-old daughter, Holly, he decided to reach out. In a personal email to Hayley and husband Gary, Harry shared a heartfelt condolence letter on behalf of him and Meghan.
The email came by complete surprise to the family. It meant a lot to the family, who are still coping with their loss. They also coped with the fact that they could have only 10 people at Holly's funeral due to social distancing restrictions.
Hayley and Gary Smallman have been touched by an act of kindness from none other than Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, who has met the family through his time as patron of the UK charity WellChild, reached out after the family suffered a crushing loss.
Hayley and Gary are parents to three children, 21-year-old Josh, 18-year-old Holly, and 12-year-old Ruby. On March 27, Holly passed away peacefully in her sleep following cardiac arrest. Holly suffered from a number of complex conditions throughout her life, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and chronic lung disease.
The loss was tough on the family, who could invite only 10 people to Holly's funeral due to social distancing requirements. As a result, many people reached out to them in other ways. When the family was ready to sift through some of the emails they received, they were shocked to find one from the Duke of Sussex.
Harry first met the family back in 2015 at the annual WellChild Awards. Harry spent some time with the night's winners. The winner of the Most Caring Young Person Award was Holly's sister, Ruby. That night, he met Ruby, Holly, Hayley, and Gary.
Harry remembered his time with the family in the heartfelt condolence letter. "I feel so fortunate to have met Holly in 2015 when her sister Ruby received a WellChild Award. Holly was evidently a very special and happy girl, despite her significant challenges, and she clearly had an extra special relationship with her siblings," he wrote.
Harry then recalled a special gift he received from Ruby. "It was a great privilege to spend time with you all, particularly Holly, and I still remember the amazingly creative handmade penguin that Ruby gave me — complete with red hair!"
Harry continued to thank Hayley for her involvement and tireless work with WellChild.
"Hayley, I know since then you have been an avid WellChild supporter and ambassador; it’s been a pleasure to see you again on a few occasions," he continued.
"I’ve heard just how much you’ve done for other parents caring for children with complex needs, helping to push forward programmes and campaigns that provide support to these families. Given everything you have both dealt with personally, this is truly selfless and inspirational."
"I am so grateful to you, as I know many other people and families will be too," Harry wrote. "Huge respect for juggling so many plates and always being able to put a smile on people’s faces."
"I imagine words cannot really hope to provide much comfort to you and your family at this most difficult of times, but I wanted you to know that you, and your daughter Ruby and son Josh, are all in my thoughts and prayers," he remarked.
Harry concluded the letter by letting the family know that his thoughts were with them. "Meghan and I send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences," he wrote in conclusion. He signed the letter as simply "Harry."
This letter provides another look at the work that continues now that Harry and Meghan are settling down in Los Angeles. He's committed to keeping his patronages despite stepping away from royal duties. Harry recently took part in a virtual meeting as part of his work with WellChild.
The meeting also consisted of CEO Colin Dyer, two parents, and a specially trained nurse. They discussed the role of WellChild during the current crisis. They emphasized their commitment to continuing to support families in a time of increased demand for their services.
"There’s a h*ll of a lot of positives that are happening at the same time and being able to have family time — so much family time — that you almost think, ‘Do I feel guilty for having so much family time?’" Harry said during the meeting.
"You’ve got to celebrate those moments where you are just on the floor rolling around in hysterics. Inevitably, half an hour later, maybe a day later, there’s going to be something that you have to deal with and there’s no way you can run away from it."
He went on to praise the parents for handling the unpredictable situation with strength and grace. He even called them "super-parents."
"The resilience and the strength that you guys have is absolutely incredible," Harry said. "You must never, ever, ever, ever forget that. Of course, there are going to be hard days – I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it is for you guys."
"Having one kid at 11 months old is enough!" he joked. Of course, Archie will celebrate his first birthday on May 6. Although nothing in the past year probably happened in the way that Harry and Meghan imagined it would, they are certainly grateful for the joy that their son has brought to their lives. Their ability to share that joy and enact change and support for those who need it is truly inspirational in a time where so many aren't sure who to help or how.
