Sinead O’Connor has shared an open letter for Prince Harry, opening up about her own personal grief, assuring Harry that she understands his internal conflict.
Sinead’s personal letter was prompted after watching the Prince’s Apple TV series on mental health ‘The Me You Can’t See’. In the documentary Harry opened up about his past trauma, speaking openly about his mother’s tragic death when he was 12-years-old, and how that affected the rest of his life.
Speaking about a similar experience in which she lost her mother also, Sinead penned a letter to Prince Harry in the Sunday Independent Newspaper in which she opened with:
“As someone who has trauma-related mental health struggles, I wanted to let you know how bowled over I am by your Apple TV series”
Praising Harry she went on to say, “You’re slammin’ it, to use a musical term. You just keep shining on through.”
Sharing her own story with grief Sinead continued:
“I’m writing this because you and I have something in common Harry. I also lost my mother in a car crash… I do know something of the grief you’ve been brave enough to share in the public arena”
“It’s a shock that takes years to come out of, when someone dies so violently and suddenly. It’s a lifetime’s recovery.”
Relating to Harry and his grief Sinead said that she and he are not too dissimilar:
“I really identified with you when you shared the rage and anger you felt at the time of your mother’s passing. I was the same. I’m sure we all were, any of us who ever lost someone in that sudden way”
Bringing her letter to an end, Sinead said that she’s certain Harry’s mother, Diana would be extremely proud of the person he has become.
“When so many of us see the work you’re doing for people who experience mental health struggles, we see you stomping on stigma. And we’re all delighted for you.
“Most importantly, we know how proud your mama is of the incredible young man you are.”