Prince Harry's Heartfelt Christmas Party Plans Revealed

11/21/2024 11:47 AM

The Duke of Sussex will ring in the holiday season with one of his longtime causes

Prince Harry is gearing up to spread some holiday cheer this season with Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity supporting bereaved youth who have experienced the death of a parent in the British Armed Forces.

PEOPLE confirms that the Duke of Sussex, 40, will host a video call before Christmas to connect with members of Scotty's Little Soldiers. Prince Harry, a former captain in the British Army and dedicated mental health advocate, has been involved with the charity since 2017 and serves as its inaugural Global Ambassador. 

On Nov. 21, the Daily Expressreported that that chat will happen on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and welcome as many members as possible. Scotty's has supported over 700 children and young people this year through various programs and a community network, and is a resource for youth through age 25.

"Prince Harry would like to jump on a call with as many of our members as possible to wish them all a Merry Christmas," said an email to Scotty's members, according to the outlet.

Related: Prince Harry Writes Emotional Letter to Bereaved Military Children: 'We Find Strength in Love and Memories'

"He appreciates that the festive season can be hard for our members and wants them to know he is thinking of them," the email was further quoted as reading. "This is your chance to get to know the Duke loads better and find out what Christmas is like for a Prince!"

According to the outlet, Prince Harry will say hello, answer several pre-submitted questions and "five lucky members will help run the session and interact directly with the Duke."

The Duke of Sussex is in element when connecting with young people and shares son Prince Archie, 5 and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3, with his wife, Meghan Markle. Having lost his mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12, Prince Harry has been open about his journey through grief and healing over the years.

Related: Prince Harry Supports Military Children Who Lost a Parent: He 'Gets It,' Says Charity Founder (Exclusive)

The Duke of Sussex first met Nikki Scott, the founder of Scotty's Little Soldiers, at a Buckingham Palace event in 2017 and has backed the charity ever since. Scott established the charity in 2010 following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, as a guiding light for bereaved military children, and the Duke of Sussex has stayed close to the U.K. group after moving to California with his family in 2020. 

On Nov. 7, Prince Harry sent a heartfelt letter to Scotty's members ahead of Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion in the U.K. honoring those who died in war or conflict. He also made a surprise appearance at a Scotty's event while in the U.K. in May, where he participated in activities with kids and heard from young people on Scotty's Council. 

The Duke of Sussex (and dad to two!) also previously dressed up as Spider-Man and Santa Claus in special video messages for Scotty's Little Soldiers before Christmas.

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Scott previously told PEOPLE that having Prince Harry back the charity as Global Ambassador means much to the greater organization.

"It is such a positive thing for us. The fact that [Harry] was bereaved as a child and served in the military, the young people we support really resonate with him," Scott said.

"He just really gets it, and you can feel the passion coming through when he talks and writes to us. He is so willing to help and so engaged," she added.