Prince Harry dons a Santa hat as he joins a virtual Christmas party for bereaved military children – on the same day William gave gifts to soldiers’ families

Prince Harry joined a virtual Christmas party on Tuesday for 280 children and young people who have experienced the death of parent in the armed forces.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, video called into the  party hosted by Scotty’s Little Soldiers,  a charity which he is an ambassador for.

He spoke about memories of Christmas and did a question and answer session with the children – noting that the holiday season is particularly tough ‘for military families who have lost someone on active duty’. 

‘It’s okay to feel however you feel at Christmas,’ Harry said.

‘Some people will be celebrating and happy, other people feel reflective, some people will be sad, and maybe you’ll experience every single one of these emotions and that’s absolutely fine.

‘Remember you’ve got each other, you’ve got Scotty’s and you’ve got the people that love you’.

It comes just a day after Prince William met children at the Picton Barracks in Wiltshire. 

For the Scotty’s party, children enjoyed a series of interactive games – as well as building towers with cushions and making snowmen out of toilet paper. 

Prince Harry (second left, top row) chatted to families from Scotty’s on Tuesday

It comes just a day after Prince William met children at the Picton Barracks in Wiltshire

Bethan, 23, whose father David Coomber, died while serving with the Royal Corps of Signals in 2011, took part in the questions.

‘It was great to have so many members of Scotty’s together,’ Bethan said, according to a press release.

‘The games were good fun and helped everyone feel involved. I felt a real connection with Prince Harry.’

‘The party was upbeat and in no way sombre, but Prince Harry reminded us that he understands what we have all been through and that it’s okay to feel a mixture of emotions,’ she added. 

‘He also made it clear to us that he is part of the Scotty’s community and proud to support us, which means a lot.’ 

Nikki Scott, who founded Scotty’s in 2010, following the death of her husband Cpl. Lee Scott in Afghanistan, added in a statement, ‘Christmas can be a difficult time for bereaved children and young people, but this event reminded our members that they are part of a community that cares and understands.’

Prince William spread festive cheer today as he gave out presents to children of soldiers at Picton Barracks 

‘At Scotty’s, we organise a number of in-person events, but having this party virtually meant that it was open to all our members. 

‘Events, whether in-person or virtual, help remind our members that they aren’t alone. We also find that after events, families are more likely to get in touch and ask for help if they are struggling.’

She added, ‘Prince Harry has been a massive supporter of Scotty’s for a number of years and having him at our virtual Christmas party made it really special and memorable for our members.’

Prince Harry has long worked with Scotty’s and gifted bereaved children marching past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday bags of sweets.

The charity was established in 2010 by Army widow Nikki to support bereaved military children and young people.

Nikki was motivated to set up the charity after witnessing the impact of the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009 on their two young children.

Speaking of Harry’s long-term involvement, Nikki said: ‘He’s very much in contact. He sent the children sweets today as well.

‘They all have sweets in their pockets from Prince Harry.’

It comes as day after Prince William brought festive cheer and handed out Christmas presents to children and families at a party for 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment in Wiltshire.

William, colonel-in-chief of the regiment, met soldiers and their families at Picton Barracks, Bulford Camp, in Wiltshire.

On arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by a regimental ram called Derby, before meeting with soldiers and their families, to hear more about their experiences and roles within the Mercian Regiment.

He was greeted at the entrance by their 18-month-old regimental mascot, Private Derby, a Swaledale ram.

On arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by a regimental ram called Derby, before meeting with soldiers and their families, to hear more about their experiences and roles within the Mercian Regiment

Another young boy, Carson Heighway, 10, sweetly drew a picture of William – which he then tucked away in his pocket to take home

When told he was their 33rd mascot since 1858, he said: ‘He looks fantastic, very smart.’

When it was cheekily mentioned that he was off to spend Christmas in a ‘field full of ewes’, William replied: ‘So he has quite a fun Christmas! Oh good luck to him.’

Inside the sergeant’s mess he chatted ten tables of servicemen and women and their children, joking that it was like speed dating.

In one sweet moment, William thanked young children for giving him Christmas cards – before one young boy offered him a Santa hat.

Ten-year-old Karson Heighway handed William a drawing of he had done of him.

‘Is that me?’ he said, before joking: ‘Looks like I have five nostrils.’

But he was suitably impressed to fold the drawing up and put it in his breast pocket.

Asked about his Royal Family Christmas plans, he revealed hopes for long walks with the family dog as they spend the festive period in Norfolk.

The future king opted for a navy suit with a light blue open collar shirt and jumper. He added brown suede shoes, a classic smart casual look for the Princ

William is seen chatting to the families at the barracks today

He said: ‘Am I ready for Christmas? No, no way am I ready.’

But he told another table he was looking forward to Christmas with 45 members of his family ‘all in one room’ but ‘normally spread out’ – suggesting it will be a full family gathering with the King at Sandringham in Norfolk this year.

William asked five-year-old Alexander Fitzgerald what he wanted for Christmas.

His father, Sgt Lee Fitzgerald, 39, said afterwards: ‘He said he wanted a Nintendo Switch and when they spoke about playing Mario Kart. William said he was supposed to let your dad win sometimes.’

All servicemen and their families wore Christmas jumpers to the bash – but William appeared not to have got the memo. ‘Some people don’t own one,’ he remarked.

When asked why he wasn’t wearing a jumper he pointed across the room at his new equerry Squadron Leader Mike Reynolds, and said jokingly: ‘I didn’t know, you see that guy in the jacket, it’s his fault and I will be having a word.’

Ten-year-old Isobelle McNeil and her younger brother Hunter, 5, handed William a Father Christmas hat present and Christmas card written to George, Charlotte and Louis.

Her mother, Fiona Dewar McNeil, said: ‘William asked what Father Christmas was going to bring for him and Hunter said he was going to get a big Tyrannosaurus Rex.

‘He said ‘I hope all your dreams come true’.’

Seven-year-old Sanganoo Kejhan also handed William a hand-made Christmas card.

Dylan Potter, 14, made William laugh after revealing he was wearing two Christmas jumpers.

He said afterwards: ‘I asked what does a prince do for fun?

‘He said he likes watching movies and hanging out with his children but because he is over 40 finds fun hard to come by.’

William also revealed that he has been watching Netflix with his wife, Kate, including ‘Black Doves’ starring Kiera Knightley.

He told families: ‘I hope you have a quiet Christmas.’

The prince was also treated to a song from a Fijian choir – formed of soldiers from the Mercian Regiment.

He then picked up presents from under a festively-decorated tree and offered each child a ‘pressie’.

The Prince met soldiers from different ranks across the Battalion.

They have all gone above beyond in their roles through charity fundraising, volunteering and helping with extracurricular activities.

William also listened to songs from a Fijian choir who are formed of soldiers from the Mercian Regiment.

His Royal Highness last visited the Regiment in 2023 when he joined them on Salisbury Plain to see firsthand the armoured infantry work the Regiment carries out.

The future king opted for a navy suit with a light blue open collar shirt and jumper.

He added brown suede shoes, a classic smart casual look for the Prince.

It comes after he shared a video of his visit to a homeless charity last week – where he helped serve up a festive lunch to those in need.

The Prince of Wales, 42, was in playful mood during his lunchtime shift at The Passage charity in London on Thursday.

He first visited the charity with his late mother Princess Diana , and last week was on jovial form, teasing the head chef in charge about her birthday.