Prince William fought back tears as he met with Rhian Mannings, who lost her husband Paul to suicide.
Kensington Palace released a video of the Prince of Wales, 43, talking with Rhian as she opened up about the loss of Paul as well as her one-year-old son, George.
In 2012, George died suddenly after having a seizure. Just five days later, Rhian’s husband Paul tragically took his own life.
William met with Rhian to hear her story as his Royal Foundation launched a new National Suicide Prevention Network. The initiative unites charities across the four home nations to transform suicide prevention in the UK, the palace said.
Prince William’s meeting with Rhian Mannings after her husband’s suicide
In a video shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ YouTube page on Friday, William was seen meeting with Rhian.
Sharing her story, Rhian told the future king: “I’d never been touched by suicide, it was something that happened in the news. And it happened to us.”
I think that’s what the hardest thing is, we would have been okay.
Rhian added: I will forever go over those last few days with him wondering what I missed. Before we lost George, we were just so happy. I think this just shows that it really can happen to anyone.”
William then asked Rhian: “If you could say something, or wanted to say something to Paul, what would you have said?”
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Prince of Wales tears up in emotional chat
Rhian replied: “‘Why didn’t you speak to me?’ I ask myself that every single day. He’s missed out on so much joy and we would have been okay.
“I think that’s what the hardest thing is, we would have been okay.”
Prince William then looked emotional as his eyes teared up and he rubbed his face.
Rhian asked: “Are you okay?”
William replied: “Sorry, it’s hard to ask you questions…”
Rhian comforted the prince, saying: “It’s hard… you’ve experienced loss yourself.”
She added: “Life can throw you these awful curveballs but by talking about it, by having hope, you can continue.”
William said: “The best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it. Talk about it early, talk about it to your loved ones, those you trust. So thank you for talking about it.”
Rhian added: “Thank you for talking about it too.”
Royal Foundation launches National Suicide Prevention Network
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day. The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation has announced its National Suicide Prevention Network.
The Network will focus on “understanding the root causes of suicide, ensuring accessible support and strengthening collaboration to achieve the greatest possible impact”.
In a statement, Prince William said: “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.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at any time.
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