On Princess Diana’s 61st birthday, Prince William and Prince Harry paid tribute to their mother and celebrated her global impact. On Friday, July 1, Prince William spoke to the Diana Award recipients about the late royal’s legacy.
“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,” he wrote in a letter for the award recipients, one that recognizes persons aged 9 to 25.
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Prince William and Prince Harry To Pay Tribute to Late Mother Princess Diana
The honorees were also described as an “inspiration” to the Duke of Cambridge. “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,” Prince William continued, referring to their community service and humanitarian efforts
Seeing the hard work that his mother’s action inspired has been thrilling for the U.K. native, who lost his mother in a car crash in 1997.
“You truly are the personification of my mother’s legacy and I know she would be so proud of you all,” he added. “I believe there’s no better way to celebrate her life and work than through recognizing incredible people who dedicate so much time and effort to helping those around them.”
Harry, 37, surprised the honorees with a virtual appearance at the ceremony. “Today, we’re reflecting on what would have been my mother’s 61st birthday. And this year is also 25 years since her passing,” the Duke of Sussex explained. “There isn’t a day during the past two and 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.”
Prince Harry Thanked Everyone Throughout His Lengthy Video
Throughout his lengthy video, Harry thanked everyone for helping to “keep her voice alive” in the aftermath of his mother’s tragic death. “I see her legacy in all of you,” Harry said.
Harry also used his platform to speak out about current global issues. He said, “My mother instilled in me, and in all of us, a drive to speak up and fight for a better world. And now, as a husband and a parent, my mother’s voice is even stronger in my life.”
Harry continued, “All of you have helped keep 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.”
The royal concluded, “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.”
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