PRINCE Harry says he sees his late mum in both of his children – as he and William marked Diana’s 61st birthday separately today.
The Duke of Sussex paid tribute to the princess in a moving speech for the Diana Awards today.
Appearing over video chat, he told young recipients he still thinks of her “every day”. On August 31, it will be 25 years since Diana died.
“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.”
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Prince William, 40, did not take part in the ceremony. He instead sent a letter to the winners to say his mother would be “so proud”.
The Diana Award honours people aged between nine and 25 for their social action and humanitarian work.
Harry said in his speech: “Today we’re reflecting on what would have been my mother’s 61st birthday.
“And this year, it’s also 25 years since her passing.”
Diana instilled in her sons a “drive to speak up and fight for a better world,” Harry said.
“Now, as a husband and a parent, my mother’s voice is even stronger in my life,” he added.
“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.”
Prince William said in his letter to winners: “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.
MOVING SPEECH
“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.”
Harry and William were last together during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
They both appeared at a service of thanksgiving with their wives.
However, they did not acknowledge each other or exchange glances during the ceremony.
Harry and Meghan left promptly after the service, skipping a VIP reception with the rest of the family.
The couple did, however, spend time with both the Queen and Prince Charles.
A royal source said the Prince of Wales had a “very emotional” meeting with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
“It was fantastic to see them. It was wonderful to have them back in Britain,” the insider said.
“The prince and the duchess were absolutely thrilled to see them.
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“The prince, of course, hasn’t seen his grandson Archie for a bit of time and so it was very, very, very special to have some time with him.
“He hadn’t met Lili, his granddaughter, and so to meet her was very emotional, a very, very wonderful thing.”
