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Prince Harry: I see my mother’s legacy when I look at my own children

A young Prince Harry with his mother, Princess Diana, in 1995 - PA
A young Prince Harry with his mother, Princess Diana, in 1995 - PA

The Duke of Sussex has described how he sees his late mother’s legacy when he looks at his own two children every day.

He revealed that not a day goes by when he does not think about the mark Diana, Princess of Wales, left on both him and his brother, the Duke of Cambridge.

“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.”

The Duke, 37, recorded a video message to open this year’s Diana Award ceremony, which took place virtually on what would have been the Princess’s 61st birthday, marking the 25th anniversary of her death.

He said it was a “special year” and one in which he hoped people would take extra time to “not just remember how she lived but to reflect on the life she continues to lead through so many”.

The award is the only charity bearing the Princess’s name and honours young people aged nine to 25 who work to improve the lives of others.

‘My mother would have been so proud of you all’

The Duke of Cambridge, 40, sent a written message in which he praised an “inspirational generation” of young people who personify his late mother’s legacy with their efforts to change the world.

He told award recipients that there was “no better way” to celebrate his mother’s life than by recognising those who give so much time to others and that she would have been “so proud” of them all.

Prince Harry said: “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.

“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 corners of the world.

“And I see my mum’s legacy when I look at my own children every single day.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie in 2019 - Reuters
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie in 2019 - Reuters
Prince Harry's daughter Lilibet in an image released to mark her first birthday - Misan Harriman
Prince Harry's daughter Lilibet in an image released to mark her first birthday - Misan Harriman

He told winners: “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 have already made a difference. Don’t ever give up on the idea that each of you can create lasting and much needed change.

“I know the memory of my mum will never fade because I see her spirit in all of you. So thank you for keeping that fire alive.”

The Duke said his mother knew that young people had the power to “accomplish anything” and to “act beyond their years as the leaders we so desperately need right now.”

He said they faced unique challenges to mental health, through increasing social and economic barriers and “a world consumed by disagreement, conflict, anger.”

He told them: “But we need to listen to you. We need to empower you, because you are our only way out of the mess.”

Both brothers support the award, this year given to 180 young people from 29 countries, including 40 from the UK.

It was their shared desire to continue her legacy that last August brought them together, despite their strained relationship, to unveil a statue of the late Princess in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden.

Princes Harry and William at the unveiling of the statue in 2021 for their mother - PA
Princes Harry and William at the unveiling of the statue in 2021 for their mother - PA

‘You are the personification of my mother’s legacy’

Prince William offered his congratulations to this year’s winners, saying: “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.”

He added: “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.

“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.”

Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award, said: “We warmly congratulate our new Diana Award recipients from the UK and across the world who are changemakers for their generation.

“These young people demonstrate that young people have the power to change the world; a belief also held by Princess Diana. It is especially poignant as we remember Princess Diana 25 years on. We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own changemaking journey.”