Prince William Talks About the Moment When He Learned His Mother Had Died

Prince William is currently on a tour of Scotland and he just spoke about the saddest moment of his life, which took place there many years ago.

The 38-year-old Duke of Cambridge spoke about his connection to the country while speaking at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on Saturday (May 22) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

William gave a speech in his role as the Lord High Commissioner and he opened up about the moment when he learned that his late mom, Princess Diana, had died.

Click inside to read what he said…

“Along with listening this week, there is something I do want to tell you. Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy,” William said (via People). “As I grew up, I saw how my grandmother relishes every minute she spends here. And my father is never happier than when walking among the hills.”

“In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest,” William said. “I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning. And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”

Diana died in 1997 when he was only 15-years-old.

William also talked about one of his happiest moments that happened in Scotland.

“And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland – twenty years ago this year – that I first met Catherine,” he said. For those who don’t know, he met Kate Middleton while attending school at St. Andrews.

“Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart,” William continued. “George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders”