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Royal mourners attend funeral of TCF President and Patron Countess Mountbatten

On Tuesday, 27th June the funeral of The Compassionate Friends' President and Patron, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was held at St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London. The Countess wrote for us the story of the death of her son Nicky and here are a few of her thoughts and insights...

'"(losing a child) makes it very much easier to help other people because you share a common bond in your loss".

"I think the lesson I have learned from grief is principally to get your priorities right and to differentiate between the important and unimportant things in life in order not to waste time on the latter. The important aspects concern people and relationships-and not material things".

"I do not believe you can run away from, or permanently circumvent grief. You may make a temporary detour, which can be helpful, but eventually you have to find your way through the dark and painful tunnel to reach the light which really does shine at the far end".

She finishes by writing "But now I do take comfort in the thought that when I die Nicky will be waiting for me if I ever reach heaven".

We do hope she did indeed reach heaven as she wished and has now been reunited with her beloved son.

Her funeral was both a humbling and joyful occasion - celebrating and honouring a compassionate and special lady, who used her experience of traumatic loss to support and comfort others. H.R.H The Prince of Wales and her surviving twin son, Timothy Knatchbull, gave moving tributes to the Countess.The Queen and Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew all attended.

We thank the family of the Countess for choosing The Compassionate Friends as the recipient of donations in her memory. These funds will enable us to continue the work of our charity supporting bereaved parents and their families. www.tcf.org.uk/countessmountbatten