Prince Harry tells how his children, Archie and Lilibet remind him of Diana ‘every single day’
Prince Harry has spoken about how he see’s his mother’s ‘legacy’ in Lilibet and Archie every day.
The Duke of Sussex, 37, was speaking during a virtual ceremony for the Diana Awards when he paid tribute to the Princess of Wales on what would have been her 61st birthday.
He went on to say that since becoming a parent to Archie, three, and daughter, Lilibet, one, and husband to Meghan his ‘mother’s voice’ has become ‘even stronger’ in his life.
His brother Prince William, 40, did not take part in the ceremony and instead sent a letter to the winners saying his mother would be ‘so proud’ of what they achieved.
The awards take place every year in memory of Diana – who died 25 years ago – and were broadcasted online.
The Duke of Sussex, 36, appeared without his brother the Duke of Cambridge, 40, as he remembered their mother at a virtual ceremony for the Diana Awards
Prince Harry (pictured with his children and Meghan) has spoken about how he see’s his mother’s ‘legacy’ in Lilibet and Archie every day
He went on to say that since becoming a parent to Archie, three, and daughter, Lilibet (pictured), one, and husband to Meghan his ‘mother’s voice’ has become ‘even stronger’ in his life
The Diana Award honors people aged 9-25 for their social action and humanitarian work.
The award ceremony honored 180 young philanthropists from 29 countries around the world, including 40 from the UK.
Prince Harry appeared via video link from an unknown location to welcome the young participants to the awards.
‘My mother instilled in me a drive to speak up and fight for a better world,’ he said. ‘And now, as a husband and parent, my mother’s voice is even stronger in my life.
‘There isn’t a day during the past two and a half decades where I haven’t thought about the mark she left, not only on me and my brother, but on all of our lives,’ he said.
‘I see her legacy in all of you. I see her legacy in a Diana Award community that spans multiple generations. I see her legacy every time I meet with families, young people, and children from all corner of the world.
‘And I see my mum’s legacy when I look at my own children every single day… I know the memory of my mum will never fade because I see her spirit in all of you.’
In recent years his relationship with his brother Prince William has seemed strained but he said during his speech the ‘mark’ left on him and his brother by Diana is still there.
He added: ‘There isn’t a day during the past two and a half decades where I haven’t thought about the mark she left not only on me and my brother but on all of our lives.’
The last time the brothers were in the presence of each other was during the Queen’s platinum celebrations in early June, both attending the service of thanksgiving for the Monarch at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 3.
‘Today we’re reflecting on what would have been my mother’s 61st birthday,’ he said, welcoming the attendees. ‘And this year it’s also 25 years since her passing.’
The Duke of Cambridge, 40, called this years recipients ‘an inspiration’ and said Diana ‘would be so proud’, in the emotional letter on Friday
Prince William, 40, did not take part in the ceremony and instead sent a letter to the winners saying his mother would be ‘so proud’ of what they achieved
He continued: ‘This is a special year and one where I hope we take the extra time to not just remember her as she lived, but to reflect on the life she continues to leads through so many, including the young Changemakers with us today.’
‘All of you have kept her voice alive by showing the world how each small action counts, how kindness is still valued and how our world can be better if we choose to make it so.
‘To everybody who is part of this afternoon, know that you are already making a difference and we need you to keep making a difference.
‘Don’t ever give up on the idea that each of you can create lasting and much needed change.’
He closed the ceremony by saying: ‘What is we choose to believe in the idea that one person can change the world? What if we already know that to be possible?
‘If you take away one thing from today, please let it be that no matter who you are or where you’re from or what you background is, you can create positive change in our world.
‘My mother knew that young people have the power to accomplish anything and can act beyond their years, as the leaders we so desperately need right now. The rest of us, well, we haven’t made it easy for you.
‘We know that our young face unique challenges to their mental health and wellbeing, increasing social and economic barriers and a world consumed by disagreement, conflict and anger.
‘But we need to listen to you and we need to empower you, because you are our only way out of the mess.
‘While you shouldn’t alone be responsibly for cleaning it up, I truly believe that you’re the ones with the capability and leadership to do so.
‘And our role should be to invest in you, and have you at the table when big decisions are being made…
‘I know the memory I hold of my mum will never fade, because I see her spirit in each of you. So thank you for keeping her fire alive.’
Meanwhile Prince William wrote to the winners: ‘Congratulations on receiving The Diana Award today!
‘You are part of an inspirational generation of young people who are changing the world through your actions, and I hugely admire your efforts. Your stories are remarkable.
‘Many of you face huge challenges in the face of difficult times, yet you are tirelessly breaking down barriers to create a better future for us all.
‘Thank you for your compassion, bravery and absolute determination. You truly are the personification of my mother’s legacy and I know she would be so proud of you all.’
The royal added: ‘I believe there’s no better way to celebrate her life and work than through recognising incredible people who dedicate so much time and effort to helping those around them.
‘I hope that you stand proud in the knowledge that you are making a real difference and that you enjoy today’s ceremony – you deserve it!’
Both William and his brother Prince Harry support the Diana Award, which is the only charity that carries their mother’s name.
The Diana Award was established in 1999 – two years after her death – in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.
The charity runs anti-bullying and mentoring programmes while also rewarding young people who carry out inspiring work.
Each year, thousands of young people are nominated by individuals and their communities to highlight these selfless acts.
Last year William and Harry got together to unveil a statue of the late Princess in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden.
In a a joint statement they said: ‘Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.
‘Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.’
