Prince Harry has penned an emotional letter to the mother of a five-year-old boy from Merseyside who died on June 2.
The Prince met five-year-old Carson Hartley at a national ceremony in 2014, where he presented Carson with an Inspirational Child award.
Despite suffering with lung disease, a heart defect, spina bifida and brittle bone disease, Carson was described as having a "tremendous spirit".
Prince Harry presented Carson Hartley with an Inspirational Child award last year
The letter read: "I was so very sad to hear the tragic news. Carson made such an impression on me at the Wellchild awards last year with his warm smile and hugs.
“He showed so much happiness with such a positive outlook despite the challenges he faced.
“Carson was a wonderful young boy and I am delighted to have had the chance to meet him. I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear of your loss and pass to you my heartfelt condolences,” he added.
Carson's mother, Kirsty Hartley, said her "heart burst with pride" when she received the letter from the Prince of Wales. She told the Liverpool Echo: "We were having a really rubbish day and we hadn't been home since Carson had died but we had to go and drop some things off.
“The letter was behind the door, I opened it not really paying attention but once I saw the royal stamp and the H on the envelope I knew it was important.
“It was so bittersweet but just reflects exactly what we thought of Harry when we met him. He is so nice, genuine and really took an interest. I couldn’t believe he remembered Carson but like we always said, once met never forgotten.”