Prince William has shared a powerful message about grief saying people should talk about their loss rather than remain silent in comments that echo themes Prince Harry has also discussed while reflecting on the death of his mother, Princess Diana.
The Prince of Wales spoke about the importance of acknowledging grief during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, where he praised rugby league star Sir Kevin Sinfield for his extraordinary fundraising efforts in support of people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).
Sinfield recently completed seven ultra-marathons in seven days as part of his continuing efforts to raise money for MND charities. His commitment has been closely associated with his late friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who died from the condition in June 2024.
William praised Sinfield’s achievements and said the decision to recognise him with a knighthood had been an easy one.
“I think frankly he should have been Sir Kevin years ago,” the Prince said, highlighting the former rugby player’s dedication to supporting others.
William also reflected on Sinfield’s ability to bring people together through his work, describing him as a leader who inspires communities to unite around an important cause.
“What Kevin does is he can bind and glue communities together by being that leader. The more Kevs we have in this country, the better,” William added.
Beyond his praise for Sinfield, the Prince shared a more personal reflection about grief and the importance of offering support to people experiencing loss. He revealed that he had written a letter to Burrow’s wife and children following the former rugby player’s death.
William’s comments highlighted how difficult it can be to know what to say to someone who is grieving, while emphasising that acknowledging their loss can be more helpful than avoiding the subject. “Everyone grieves differently, and every circumstance is different, so you need to take your time over it,” he said.
The future king continued with a message about the importance of speaking openly about painful experiences. “It’s always better to say something about grief than it is to ignore it,” William explained.
His words have particular resonance given the personal loss he experienced when his mother, Princess Diana, died in 1997. William was 15 at the time, and he has spoken publicly over the years about the impact of losing her.
Harry has also discussed the effects of losing Diana, including how he dealt with the emotions surrounding her death. In a recent appearance on MasterClass, the Duke of Sussex spoke about his experiences and the challenges of coming to terms with the loss of a parent.
Both brothers have therefore spoken publicly about grief, although their experiences and the ways they have described them are their own. William’s latest remarks did not directly refer to Harry or their strained relationship.
Despite their ongoing estrangement, the brothers’ comments on loss have drawn attention to a subject that remains deeply personal for both of them. Their public reflections show how grief can remain part of a person’s life long after a bereavement.
William’s message also reinforced the importance of supporting people who are mourning, without expecting everyone to process loss in the same way or on the same timetable.
While the brothers have not publicly announced any progress towards reconciliation, their separate reflections on grief offer a reminder of the personal experiences they share. Whether those common experiences will ever help bridge their differences remains uncertain.
