Princess of Wales sends 'love, strength, and hope' to bereaved parents

The Princess of Wales has shared a touching message on social media in support of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Catherine, 42, shared a photograph of a candle to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week's 'Wave of Light', where people around the world light a candle to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of pregnancy and baby loss as a message of support for the families affected by the tragedy of losing a baby.

The royal posted a photograph of a £32 candle from Plum & Ashby, created in collaboration with Tommy's ambassador, Elle Wright. All the profits from the candle sales go to Tommy's charity, which researches miscarriages, premature birth and stillbirth. 

Writing on her social channels, Kate said: 'Baby Loss Awareness Week is such an important moment to support those who have experienced the devastation of baby loss. Sending love, strength and hope to anyone affected. #WaveofLight C'.

It's not the first time that Kate has posted in support of the cause, and she has previously pointed followers in the direction of charities, including Tommy's, which cares for premature babies.

Writing on their Instagram stories against a pink background, in 2022 the Prince and Princess of Wales said: 'Taking a moment this Baby Loss Awareness Week to think about all those who've been affected by pregnancy and baby loss.

'In this story there are organisations and resources that are providing support and advice to families and loved ones who need it most.'

In the next slide, they signalled people to Child Bereavement UK, a charity which 'offers a support helpline if you've been affected by bereavement at any time'.

The couple wrote: 'Please do reach out if you feel it could help you or someone you know.'

They then signposted people to the MMH Alliance, which is a collection of 120 organisations which raises awareness of mental health 'before, during and after pregnancy, whatever the outcome'.

One of the charities involved in the alliance is Sands Charity, which supports 'anyone affected by the death of a baby'.

It also aims to improve care for bereaved parents and improve pregnancy and post-natal care so fewer babies die. 

Finally, their Royal Highnesses pointed people to Tommy's, which supports parents-to-be and carries out research into miscarriages, premature birth and stillbirth.

They wrote: 'They have free resources available and, if you're struggling, advise you to be kind to yourself and know support is available.'

The Prince and Princess of Wales also posted the support guide in the same week they hosted a BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat special where they encouraged people to get help if they are struggling with their mental health.

During the 2022 broadcast, Kate said: 'Everyone has mental health, and in the same way as their physical health we have to look after, in the same way we go to the gym, we need to look after and nurture our minds as well.'

It comes after the Princess of Wales has made an emotional pilgrimage with her husband to Southport to comfort the families of the three girls who lost their lives in July's knife attack tragedy.

In her most significant public engagement to date this year, Catherine, 42, joined Prince William to meet with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

They also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class.

Afterwards the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on the day, with the Princess hailing them 'true heroes', while William called them 'true professionals'.

In an emotional post following their visit, the couple pledged that they 'continue to stand with everyone in Southport.'

They said: 'Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.'

Prince William had promised the families and local community he would visit as soon as possible and his visit had long been scheduled in.

But the decision by his wife to join him was more recent. It is understood that she wanted to 'show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community'.

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At the time of the incident the couple shared a personal message of shock and sympathy for those affected and, like her husband, the princess has kept a keen eye on events since.

In a deeply personal statement released in the wake of the attack, the Princess wrote: 'As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.'

It is the first public engagement for the princess since she announced last month that she had complete treatment for cancer and would undertake a carefully calibrated return to public duties.

Apart from a small media contingency, the visit was kept deliberately low key as both the prince and princess wanted it to remain as discreet as possible out of respect to those involved.

Their meeting with the victims' families was held completely in private and not announced publicly until they had left.