Additional Coverage:
- Prince William Tears Up in Emotional Suicide Prevention Conversation With Woman Who Lost Her Husband (usmagazine.com)
Prince William Shares Emotional Moment Discussing Suicide Prevention and Grief
Prince William was visibly moved during a heartfelt discussion with Rhian Mannings, who shared her experience of losing her husband to suicide. The emotional conversation was part of a new short film released by Kensington Palace on Friday, October 10.
The Prince of Wales, 43, visited Mannings at her home in Cardiff, Wales, to delve into topics of suicide prevention and bereavement support. Mannings tragically lost her husband, Paul, to suicide in 2012, a mere five days after the sudden death of their one-year-old son, George, due to illness.
The film’s release coincided with both World Mental Health Day and the official launch of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales’ National Suicide Prevention Network.
During their conversation at her dining table, Prince William emphasized the critical role of open dialogue in preventing suicide. “The best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it,” he stated.
“Talk about it early, talk about it with your loved ones, those you trust, your friends. So, thank you for talking about it.”
Prince William inquired about Mannings’ coping mechanisms following her husband’s death, acknowledging the enduring burden of unanswered questions many bereaved families face. Mannings reflected on her experience: “I will forever go over those last few days with him, wondering what I missed.”
She added, “Before we lost George, we were just so happy. And I think this just shows that it really can happen to anyone.”
The royal then posed a poignant question, asking what she would say to Paul if given the chance. Mannings’ response was deeply personal: “There’s only one thing I would ever say to him if I had time with him.
And that would be, ‘Why didn’t you speak to me?’ I ask myself that every single day.”
She expressed her longing to understand, adding, “I would just like to sit him down like this and just say, ‘Why didn’t you come to me?’ Because he’s 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.”
Mannings’ candid remarks visibly affected Prince William, who appeared to become teary-eyed, raising a hand to his mouth. “I’m sorry, it’s just hard to ask these questions,” William told Mannings, reaching out to hold her hand.
Mannings offered reassurance, noting his own experience with parenthood. She then acknowledged his personal understanding of grief, referencing the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997 when he was 15 years old.
Beyond the emotional film, The Royal Foundation, led by Prince William and Princess Kate, has inaugurated its National Suicide Prevention Network. This initiative brings together four prominent U.K. charities, aiming to address suicide through comprehensive research into its underlying causes and by offering crucial support to individuals across the U.K. The Royal Foundation has pledged an initial investment of £1 million over three years to bolster this vital project.
In a statement, Prince William lauded the network’s partners: “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. 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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988.