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British comedian Russell Howard has revealed that his newborn son, Felix, died shortly after his birth earlier this year, describing the loss as the most devastating experience his family has ever faced.
Howard, 46, shared the heartbreaking news Friday, Sept. 4, after he and his wife, Dr. Cerys Morgan, had kept the pregnancy and their son's death private.
"Earlier this year, our family changed forever when our beautiful baby boy, Felix, died shortly after birth," Howard wrote in a statement shared on social media.
The comedian went on to praise the hospital staff who supported the couple through their loss, describing their care as compassionate and deeply meaningful during an unimaginable time.
Howard particularly remembered a bereavement midwife named Lauren, who had entered the profession after experiencing a similar tragedy herself.
"Her care meant more to us than we could ever put into words," he said.
Howard also shared that Felix was placed in a cool cot, allowing him and Morgan to spend several precious hours with their son after his death. The couple were able to hold him, talk to him and tell him how much they loved him.
"Those hours are among the most precious memories we have of Felix," Howard said.
The experience inspired the couple to create The Felix Foundation in their son's memory. The organization will support parents, siblings and other family members affected by miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal death and related bereavement.
The foundation plans to help fund specialist bereavement care, train additional midwives, improve support services and provide families with information and resources during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Howard will also raise money for the foundation through a Stand-Up Gala at London's O2 Arena on Feb. 8, 2027. Several major British comedians, including Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr, Aisling Bea, Mo Gilligan and Guz Khan, are expected to perform, with the comedians donating their time to the event.
"We miss him dearly, every single day," Howard said of Felix. "But we take some comfort in knowing that his name will stand for kindness, compassion and laughter, and that his legacy may help other families through the darkest moments of their lives."
Howard and Morgan, who have been together since 2004 and married in 2019, also share a son born in August 2024.
