Harry and William's tributes to mum Diana leave fans in tears

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Content Editor / July 03 2019

Prince Harry and Prince William both paid tribute to their mother Princess Diana on what would have been her 58th birthday.

At a royal engagement, The Duke of Sussex spoke about how he wants to follow in his mother’s footsteps and be a good role model for his son.

Speaking at The Diana Award National Youth Mentoring Summit in London on Tuesday, Prince Harry talked about his mother and the impact she had on other people’s lives.


“My mother, Princess Diana, was a role model to so many, without realising the impact she would have on so many lives,” he said.

“You don't have to be a princess or a public figure to be a role model, in fact it's equally valuable if you're not because it's more relatable.

“Being a role model and mentor can help heal the wounds of your own past and create a better future for someone else.”

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Getty Images


The 34-year-old added that becoming a father himself to baby Archie had inspired him to think about his actions.

“Perhaps it's the newfound clarity I have as a father knowing that my son will always be watching what I do, mimicking my behaviour, one day maybe even following in my footsteps.

“But it's not just my role as a father that shows me that; it's in the people I see every day that don't realise how inspirational they are to those watching."

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Getty Images


The Diana Award - the only official charity set up in the Princess’ name – encourages young people to reach their full potential.

“To the mentees here today, I am incredibly proud of what you've achieved, and I can safely say that my mother, who would have turned 58 yesterday, would feel the same,” Harry added.

Getty Images

Getty Images


Prince William also paid tribute to his mother, by joining well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace for a vigil in her honour.

The Princess's eldest son Prince William shocked fans when he walked through the gates of Kensington Palace unannounced on Monday evening to thank them for keeping his mother's memory alive.

The Duke of Cambridge emerged quietly with no fanfare and just a small security detail, and shook every one of their hands, saying he’d known they’d been coming out for years to honour his mum on their birthday.

The tearful fans were overcome with emotion at Prince Williams' gesture, with many saying he was "his mother's son".

Nicola Conville has worked as a journalist and editor for more than 20 years across a wide range of print and online publications. Her areas of expertise are parenting, health and travel. She has two children; Lucy, age eight, and Nathan, age five.