London, Mar 13 : In a speech he made at his appointment as patron of the Child Bereavement Charity, Prince William revealed that he feels the `emptiness' whenever Mother''s Day comes around.

He also said that for him, "Mummy" had become "just a word - hollow and evoking only memories".

"Losing a close family member is one of the hardest experiences that anyone can ever endure," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

The Prince's mother, Princess Diana, had been associated with the charity before her death in 1997.

"My mother Diana was present at your launch 15 years ago, and today I am incredibly proud to be able to continue her support for your fantastic charity, by becoming your royal patron," he said.

"Never being able to say the word ''Mummy'' again in your life sounds like a small thing.

"However, for many, including me, it''s now really just a word - hollow and evoking only memories," he added.

The speech came as the charity launched its ''Remember on Mother''s Day'' campaign at an event in London.

"I can ... wholeheartedly relate to the Mother''s Day campaign as I too have felt - and still feel - the emptiness on such a day as Mother''s Day," he added. (ANI)