Prince William Praises Young People for Keeping Diana’s Legacy Alive

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has written a heartfelt letter to the winners of the 2022 Diana Award, praising them for their outstanding humanitarian and social work.

The Diana Award was established in 1999 to continue the late Princess Diana's pioneering work with young people, empowering them to achieve social, cultural, and political change.

In his letter, William reflected on his mother's legacy and how the award recipients embody her spirit.

The Duke of Cambridge expressed his admiration for an inspirational generation of young people who are changing the world through their actions.

He commended the winners for their remarkable stories and tireless efforts in breaking down barriers to create a better future for all.

William believes that recognizing incredible people who dedicate so much time and effort to helping those around them is the best way to celebrate his mother's life and work.

William's letter was written on official Kensington Palace stationery, carrying his W Royal monogram.

He concluded by encouraging the recipients to stand proud in the knowledge that they are making a real difference and to enjoy the ceremony, saying that they deserve it.

The Duke did not take part in the ceremony but sent his letter to the winners, saying that his mother would be so proud of what they have achieved.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, acted as a host for the 2022 awards ceremony, recording video messages and introductions that were played during the live stream of the event.

In his opening remarks, Harry paid tribute to his mother, saying that she installed in him and in all of us a drive to speak up and fight for a better world.

Harry praised the award recipients for keeping his mother's 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.

William and Harry have both been keen supporters of the Diana Award over the last two decades, attending events and presenting awards.

In 2017, the charity established its Legacy Award, which is presented biannually to previous winners who have gone on to inspire and mobilize other young people.

Both brothers honored the Legacy Award recipients in December, with William hosting a reception at Diana's home in Kensington Palace and Harry speaking virtually to the others.

The 2022 awards ceremony was hosted on what would have been Diana's 61st birthday, in a year that also marks the 25th anniversary of her tragic death at the age of 36.

For more than two decades after their mother's death, William and Harry have continued to keep her memory alive in nearly everything they do, whether it's their interactions with people around the world, using their platforms to highlight worthy causes, or honoring their mother's work.

William's words are truly an apt and touching way of remembering his mother on such a special day.

However, the letter to Diana Awards winners comes as there have been growing speculations over William's strained connection to brother Prince Harry and how their mother would have reacted to their relationship today.

This speculation was compounded when during their grandmother the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, an expected reunion between the brothers failed to take place, with both remaining separated throughout their jointly attended events.

In May, Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, gave an interview to OK!

magazine saying that it is incomprehensible to think about the boys being so distanced.

He added that if Diana had been here, the rift would never have happened, and she would have banged their heads together.

Although William and Harry's relationship has been painfully strained for the last few years, they came together last summer to unveil a statue erected in their late mother's memory in Kensington Palace's sunken gardens.

In a joint statement released on July 1, 2021, on what would have been their mother's 60th birthday, William and Harry said, ”Today, we remember her love, strength, and character, qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.