Prince reveals Mother's Day sadness

The Prince made a moving speech as he became patron of the Child Bereavement Charity with which his mother was associated.

He told the launch of the charity's Mother's Day campaign in London: "My mother Diana was present at your launch 15 years ago, and I am incredibly proud to be able to continue her support for your fantastic charity, by becoming your royal patron."

He added: "What my mother recognised then - and what I understand now - is that losing a close family member is one of the hardest experiences that anyone can ever endure.

"Never being able to say the word 'Mummy' again in your life sounds like a small thing. However, for many, including me, it's now really just a word - hollow and evoking only memories.

"I can therefore wholeheartedly relate to the Mother's Day campaign as I too have felt - and still feel - the emptiness on such a day as Mother's Day."

The charity's campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the problems of mothers bereaved of a child or children bereaved of their Mum, on Mother's Day and every day. Mother's Day this year is on March 22.

The charity, based in Buckinghamshire, educates professionals and supports families both when a child dies and when a child is bereaved.

Writing in the Daily Mail, The Prince said he had become a patron of the charity because he understood what it was like to "lose someone you love so much".

The Prince later hosted a formal dinner for supporters of the UK's leading homeless youth charity. BBC television and radio presenter Kirsty Young, The Bill actress Lisa Maxwell and radio DJ Sara Cox were among the guests celebrating the 40th anniversary of Centrepoint.