Prince William was nearly moved to tears during a heartfelt conversation about the devastating effects of suicide. In a new video released in honor of World Mental Health Day, the Prince of Wales engages in a deep discussion with Rhian Mannings about the crucial need for support for those at risk of suicide or affected by it.
Rhian, hailing from Cardiff, suffered the tragic loss of her one year old son George in 2012 due to an undisclosed illness, and just five days later, her husband Paul took his own life. Since these heartbreaking events, Rhian, a Mirror Pride of Britain winner, established the bereavement charity 2wish, aimed at assisting those impacted by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult under the age of 25.
In the profoundly emotional conversation, William visits Rhian’s home where they share tea and Welsh cakes while discussing the pressing need for improved support for those grieving and affected by suicide. The news comes as headteacher kills herself after vile homophobic abuse in small village
The prince initiates the conversation by asking how she has raised her older children, Holly and Isaac, with Rhian confessing she didn’t know how they had managed to survive, reports the Mirror.
He also addresses the unfortunate stigma associated with suicide, with former PE teacher Rhian remarking: “I was quite surprised by it, I had never been touched by suicide. It was something that happened in the news. Nobody would talk about it or say what happened, and I found that really confusing at the time.”
William then discusses the lingering questions that often accompany suicide, as Rhian admits she will “forever go over those last few days with him wondering what I missed”. She elaborates: “Before we lost George, we were just so happy. And I think this just shows, this can happen to anyone.”
William then queries Rhian about what she would say to her late husband Paul if given the chance. In a touching moment, she tells him: “There’s only one thing I would have ever said to him if I had time with him and that would be why didn’t you speak to me? I think I ask myself that every single day.
“He was absolutely devastated, he did keep blaming himself that weekend [after George’s death], but I would just like to sit him down like this and just say why didn’t you come to me. Because he has missed out on just so much joy, and we would have been OK – and I think that’s what the hardest thing is, we would have been OK.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, William takes a moment to regain his composure, as Rhian asks him: “You OK?” William responds: “Sorry, it’s hard to ask you these questions,” before Rhian reassures him: “I know, it’s hard, you’ve experienced loss yourself.”
She continues: “Life can throw you these awful curve balls, but by talking about it, by having hope, you can continue.”
And William concludes: “The best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it. Talk about it early, talk about it with your loved ones, with those you trust. So thank you for talking about it.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation is launching its Suicide Prevention Network today, backed by 20 organizations including the 2Wish charity. The initiative, which has received over £1million in funding from the Foundation, aims to revolutionize suicide prevention across the UK.
The network will focus on addressing the root causes of suicide and ensuring support is available for those who need it. It includes organizations from all four nations, ranging from local charities providing crisis support to those offering prevention and postvention services. Over the next three years, the Royal Foundation hopes that the network will bring about a lasting change in how suicide is understood and prevented.
Prince William praised the partners involved in the network, saying: “The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work. I have had the privilege of meeting all of the founding partners to see firsthand their powerful community-based efforts to offer hope and support to those who need it most.”
He added: “Their efforts reaffirm the urgent mission of the National Suicide Prevention Network: to build a bold, unified national response to the heartbreaking-and preventable-tragedy of suicide.”
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
