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BROTHER IN ARMS

Prince Harry’s tears as he hugged mother of Helmand comrade soldier who took his own life after PTSD battle

PRINCE Harry shed a tear when he hugged the mum of a soldier he fought alongside but who later died after battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Warrant Officer Nathan Hunt, 39, protected the prince in Afghanistan and was mentioned in dispatches for saving hundreds of comrades.

 WO Nathan Hunt was found dead on 2 January. He had bravely served in Afghanistan
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WO Nathan Hunt was found dead on 2 January. He had bravely served in AfghanistanCredit: BPM Media

His grieving mum Maria met the the 33-year-old Royal, who completed two tours of duty fighting the Taliban in Helmand province, last week.

She said newlywed Harry gave her a "bear hug" and "had a tear on his cheek" when they embraced at an event to raise money to help soldiers and veterans with mental health issues.

Maria told : "I’d spent a week practising a little bow for when I met Harry, but he didn’t give me the chance. He just pulled me into his arms.

"When I looked up, Harry had a tear on his cheek. It was very emotional because he knew my son well. They went through a lot together. He is so warm and caring and so was Meghan."

Maria said she and her husband Derek are still "grieving for our Nathan" but added: "Harry remembered Nathan’s sense of humour and praised his professionalism."

The Hunts met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the 100 Days To Peace concert last week.

 Warrant Officer Nathan Hunt served with Prince Harry, fifth right, in Afghanistan in 2008
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Warrant Officer Nathan Hunt served with Prince Harry, fifth right, in Afghanistan in 2008
 Prince Harry served alongside WO Hunt in Helmand Province
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Prince Harry served alongside WO Hunt in Helmand ProvinceCredit: PA:Press Association
 Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the "100 days of peace" concert
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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the "100 days of peace" concertCredit: Getty - Pool
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle ​gives Prince Harry ​a reassuring pat on the back at 100 Days to Peace ​concert

In July an Lincoln inquest heard the Royal Engineer was found hanged after not being properly trained for the nerve-racking combat role.

An MOD spokesperson denied he was involved in clearing IEDs in Afghanistan.

Passing a narrative verdict Paul Smith, the Area Coroner for Lincolnshire, said he could not be sure WO Hunt had intended to take his own life.


Every 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide, the biggest killer of people under the age of 35.
That's why The Sun Online has launched a the You're Not Alone campaign to remind anyone facing a tough time or grappling with mental illness that there is help at hand.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit ’s website.


 

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