Prince William is opening up about one of his most painful memories.

On Saturday, during his tour of Scotland, the Duke of Cambridge spoke to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland about the great meaning the country holds for him. As he explained in a video shared by the BBC, Scotland has played a role in some of his saddest memories—including the day he got the news that his mother, Princess Diana, had died.

“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,” the royal explained. “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. Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest. I was at Balmoral [Castle] when I was told 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.”

William also pointed out, however, that Scotland has been a part of some of his happiest memories. The Duke met his now-wife, Kate Middleton, when they were both students at St. Andrews in Scotland.

“And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland, 20 ago this year, that I first met Catherine,” he explained. “Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.”

Finally, Prince William made it clear that Scotland will continue to be an important place for the royal family for generations to come, and that his children—Prince George, 7, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 2—already love their time there, as well.

“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,” he said. “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.”

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