Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Scotty’s Global Ambassador, joined members of Scotty’s, the military bereavement charity, at its annual Summer Festival, spending time with children, young people and families affected by military-connected bereavement during a day focused on fun, friendship and connection.
Designed to help reduce isolation and strengthen social connections, the event provided a safe and welcoming environment where members could spend time with others who understand the unique challenges of military-connected bereavement.
Prince Harry has supported Scotty’s for many years and became the charity’s Global Ambassador in 2023. His relationship with the charity dates back to 2017, when he met founder Nikki Scott and bereaved military children at Party at the Palace. Since then, he has continued to support members of the charity through personal letters, video messages and attending events. He joined a Scotty’s event in May 2024 in London, where he met with members of the charity who had experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
This year’s Scotty’s Summer Festival was held on 11th July at Maxstoke Castle in Warwickshire – one of the oldest privately owned and continuously inhabited castles in England. With activities and entertainment provided by event specialists Sharky & George, the festival brought together over 200 children, young people and family members from across the Armed Forces community. The day featured a wide range of activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, team games, main stage performances, pygmy goat yoga, an inflatable obstacle course, treasure hunts and more.
Prince Harry spent time meeting members of Scotty’s and joined in with pygmy goat yoga and the inflatable obstacle course. He also took part in a special question-and-answer session hosted by Scotty’s founder, Nikki Scott, giving bereaved military children and young people the opportunity to ask him questions.
Sam, 23, asked the Duke,
“what is it about the children and young people that inspires you to be involved with Scotty’s?” to which Prince Harry answered, “First of all I can, in different circumstances, relate to you guys. The thing I love about Scotty’s is that the fun, the sharing, and the community is healing, and I hope you all still feel that.”
90% of those who attended rated the event 5 out of 5, saying they loved it. 94% said the event made them feel part of the Scotty’s community and that they belonged and 94% said they chatted and connected to other bereaved military families.
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Global Ambassador of Scotty’s, said:
“I’m so proud to be Scotty’s Global Ambassador and I care deeply about the charity’s incredible work in supporting bereaved military children, young people and their families. It’s an honour to meet some of the charity’s members today – many of them familiar faces as I’ve met them at previous Scotty events. It’s clear just how much being part of the Scotty’s community means to them.
“The event has been great fun, but days like this are about so much more than fun. Scotty’s brings smiles, but it also reminds these children that they aren’t alone. They’re part of a community that understands and is there for them.
“Scotty’s is soon to expand its support to the wider bereaved military community, including adults, which I think is fantastic because bereavement never goes away and can affect anyone at any age.”
Nikki Scott, Founder of Scotty’s, said:
“Seeing the children, young people and families spend time with Prince Harry at our Summer Festival was incredibly special. We are really proud to have him as Scotty’s Global Ambassador and he takes his role seriously, showing so much interest in our work and making every effort to engage with our members.
“Our Summer Festival is all about creating opportunities for families to come together, build friendships and have fun. Military-connected bereavement can often feel isolating, but events like this remind our members that they are part of a supportive community that understands their experiences. It also gives them confidence to reach out if they need specialist support. We are hugely grateful to Prince Harry for spending time with our members and helping create memories they will treasure.”
Scotty Member Brandon, 10, said
“Speaking to Prince Harry was my favourite part and I also did the obstacle course with a friend I met at another Scotty’s event.”
A Scotty Parent said after the event:
“Scotty’s is an incredible charity that has given our family so much more than fun days out – it has given us a community where we truly belong. As a bereaved military family, it means so much to be surrounded by other children and families who understand our experiences without us having to explain them. Every event is filled with smiles, laughter and genuine kindness. The team makes everything look effortless, but it’s clear how much hard work, care and dedication goes into making every family feel so welcome. Watching the children make happy memories together and seeing the joy on everyone’s faces is incredibly special. We are so grateful to Scotty’s Little Soldiers and to the generous funders who make all of this possible.”
Founded in 2010 by Army widow Nikki Scott after her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity began as Scotty’s Little Soldiers, supporting bereaved military children and young people. Children remain at the heart of the charity, supported through the “Scotty’s Little Soldiers” service, but later in 2026 adults can access help too.
Now known as “Scotty’s”, the charity has begun its transition to support anyone affected by military-connected bereavement, from any branch of the Armed Forces, whether serving or a veteran, and regardless of their relationship to the person who died or the cause of death.
Scotty’s helps children, young people and adults from the British Armed Forces community to have confidence and clarity in navigating their entitlements, the chance to build social connections, the very best mental health and wellbeing support, and outstanding development opportunities.
For almost 16 years, Scotty’s has combined lived experience with professional expertise to support thousands of bereaved Forces family members and ensure their needs are recognised. Scotty’s ambition is to empower a community of more than 25,000 bereaved people by 2035.
Thanks to the Veterans’ Foundation, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund for key funding that enables Scotty’s members to access and benefit from events like this.
Scotty’s would also like to thank OCS for providing security at the event, Cameron Harris for photographing the day and Ian Carmichael and Paul Charley from CC1 Norfolk for providing First Aid support.
Special thanks to Maxstoke Castle for providing the beautiful venue for this event. Their support helped create a memorable setting, helping make the day even more special.
For more information about Scotty’s, visit www.scottys.org.uk.
