Prince Charles reveals he was ‘utterly heartbroken' after receiving tragic news in moving video
Prince Charles has revealed in a video message that he was ‘heartbroken’ after hearing of the tragic passing of a teenage boy due to COVID-19.
- The royal shared a speech on social media to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
- He expressed his condolences to the family of a boy who lost his life during the pandemic, and spoke about how family losses have been made tougher because families can’t grieve together.
- This follows royal news that the Duchess of Cornwall is reaching out to older people struggling with loneliness.
Prince Charles, who’s currently at Birkhall, in Scotland, with his wife Camilla, shared a moving speech to mark the start of Ramadan.
His message was part of a virtual Iftar – when Muslims break the fast together, which can't be done at the moment due to lockdown – organised by The Prince’s Trust's The Mosaic Initiative and the Naz Legacy Foundation.
During the video, which was partially shared on the Clarence House Instagram page, Prince Charles mentioned Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab - the healthy 13-year-old boy from Brixton, London, who tragically passed away alone in hospital a day after testing positive for COVID-19.
His family were not able to attend the funeral because they had to self-isolate.
"I was utterly heartbroken by the tragic story of Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, a previously healthy thirteen year old boy, who passed away without the comfort of having his family by his side”, Prince Charles said.
"Every bereavement, from whatever cause, is made even harder for families by the current restrictions on funerals.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"I can only too well understand how agonising this must be for those affected and I know their enormous sense of grief will be shared by countless others - including myself.
"Under these appallingly challenging circumstances, my wife and I can only offer you all our kindest and most special wishes and stress just how greatly the contribution of Muslims to the life of the United Kingdom is appreciated and valued."
The Prince of Wales goes to on to say thank all the British Muslims working as key staff in the many roles that are keeping the country going.
“Many British Muslims, of course, will spend this Ramadan on the frontline of the Covid crisis, working in our NHS or in other key roles”, he added.
"Most tragically, I know that a number of highly experienced and invaluable doctors and nurses from the Muslim community have lost their lives to this pernicious virus.
"To their families and colleagues, I can only convey my deepest possible sympathy; and to everyone on the front line, of whatever religion, I offer my profound admiration and heartfelt gratitude for everything they are doing - for all of us."
Our thoughts are with Ismail’s family and the many others affected by the pandemic.
If you want to donate to Ismail's family, visit the GoFundMe page created to help cover the funeral costs and help during this difficult time.
Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.
-
Queen Letizia's white flares and blunt bob are a winning combination we're ready to embrace for spring
Queen Letizia of Spain has embraced her bob hairstyle and it couldn't have looked more chic with her white flares at an awards ceremony
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 of the best 90s style icons, from Julia Roberts to Kate Moss
From Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell to Aaliyah and Princess Diana, these stars made the 90s the most adventurous and stylish decade in fashion
By Sagal Mohammed Published
-
The most romantic moments between King Charles and Queen Camilla - from candid pictures to sweet anecdotes about their relationship
King Charles and Queen Camilla's love story has not been without its bumps, but there's no denying the pair have had some real fairy tale moments...
By Jack Slater Published
-
The Royal Family's bizarre sandwich rule to protect King Charles
The Royal Family reportedly have a very unusual rule when it comes to sandwiches and it's all to do with a surprising superstition
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Who was Thomas Kingston? Lady Gabriella Windsor's husband dies aged 45 as King Charles and Queen Camilla release statement
Lady Gabriella's husband Thomas Kingston has been described by King Charles and Queen Camilla as a 'much-loved' family member
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
King Charles's unusual nickname for Meghan Markle that reflected his true opinion of her
The King is said to have given a unique but telling nickname to Meghan Markle
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
These are the royals' favourite holiday destinations, from the Bahamas to Botswana
Want to know how the other half vacations? These are the royals' favourite holiday destinations...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
King Charles has 'trained himself' to keep going with 'work, work, work' mentality despite cancer treatment
The King's secret to staying strong amid his cancer treatment is his 'work, work, work' mentality, according to a royal photographer
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Why Lady Louise won't become a working royal despite King Charles's 'thin on the ground' monarchy
Lady Louise Windsor probably won't become a working royal for these very understandable reasons, according to a royal expert
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
King Charles's huge change for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as he switches focus
According to a royal author King Charles has taken a different approach in recent years and made a big change for his Wales grandchildren
By Emma Shacklock Published