Prince’s Harry’s incredible response to war widow during emotional conversation
Prince Harry has again shown his immense humanity and generosity while speaking with a military war widow. Photos of his recent climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge show the 34-year-old hugging Invictus Games ambassador Gwen Cherne, whose husband Peter J. Cafe served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Cambodia. Sadly, he took his own life earlier this year.
Harry embraced Cherne as they had an emotional conversation about her husband’s death.
But in typical Prince Harry fashion, Cherne has spoken about his reaction when palace aides attempted to cut their interaction short. The pair were talking about “grief and loss” the 41-year-old and mother-of-three told People magazine. The Duke of Sussex wasn’t about to be moved on.
“’I’m in the middle of a conversation, and I’m not going to leave this,’” Cherne revealed Harry said to his palace aides.
“We were talking about my story and mental health and how difficult it is still, in our society, to talk about grief and loss and suicide,” Cherne recounted.
“And how important things like the Invictus Games are to shedding light on and allowing people to start to have these conversations that are great to have.”
Mental health is an issue Prince Harry has championed along with his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Duchess Kate. He has regularly brought awareness to how it affects war veterans.
Ms Cherne said Harry and Meghan have provided a “beacon of hope and light for so many”.
“They’re touching, they’re shining that interest on the Games, and that shines light on their service and that shines light on the sacrifices their families make,” she told the publication.
“I was humbled by the opportunity to spend that time with (Harry) and grateful for all he is doing given his place in the world.”
As a central part of their Royal Tour, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have been heavily involved in the Invictus Games, the athletics tournament for ex-service men and women wounded during duty, founded and championed by Harry. The couple will return to Sydney on Friday as the games wrap up.
Cherne, who was only a few selected to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Harry, said that the royal couple are a “beacon of hope and light for so many”.
“They’re touching, they’re shining that interest on the Games, and that shines light on their service and that shines light on the sacrifices their families make,” she said.
“I was humbled by the opportunity to spend that time with (Harry) and grateful for all he is doing given his place in the world.”
If you are troubled by this article, experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au.