Prince Harry has used a recent appearance at a charity event to highlight how challenging the festive season can be for some, especially those dealing with the loss of a loved one.

While appearing via video link at a Christmas gathering organised by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a UK-based charity that offers support to young people impacted by the death of a parent who served in the Armed Forces, Harry acknowledged that this time of year can be particularly difficult for “military families who have lost someone on active duty”.

Reflecting on his own experience with the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, Harry offered some moving advice to those in attendance.

“It’s okay to feel however you feel at Christmas,” Harry said.

“Some people will be celebrating and happy, other people feel reflective, some people will be sad, and maybe you’ll experience every single one of these emotions and that’s absolutely fine.

“Remember you’ve got each other, you’ve got Scotty’s and you’ve got the people that love you.”

Harry’s touching message comes as he and his wife, Meghan Markle, prepare to spend yet another Christmas away from the Royal Family, instead planning an “extra special” celebration at home.

Once again excluded from the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations, Harry and Meghan are reportedly set to spend the holiday at home with their children and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.

Despite the physical distance separating them from Harry’s family in the UK, King Charles’ former butler, Grant Harrold, believes there may still be some efforts to bridge the gap this festive season.

“I think Harry and Meghan themselves will possibly reach out,” he told the New York Post.

“The thing about Christmas, it is about goodwill to others, letting bygones be bygones, forgetting the past, moving into the new year.

“So if there’s any point in the year that the families are going to communicate or touch base, it’s going to be over Christmas — there’s something magical about Christmas that gets families back together.”