Prince William made an appearance at an awards ceremony dedicated to honoring his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, on Thursday evening.
Despite the recent controversy surrounding his wife, Princess Kate’s edited Mother’s Day photo, William, aged 41, put it aside and attended The Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum in London in person.
He delivered a brief speech commending his late mother and congratulating the 20 winners of this year’s Legacy Awards. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Prince Harry, is also anticipated to address the winners later tonight via video call from the US, extending his congratulations after the event.
In his speech, William said: “I’m thoroughly delighted to be here today to recognise the transformational achievements of twenty exceptional young people from across the world. Each and every one of their stories – which you will hear shortly – are testament to their character, passion and determination to make a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of others.
“The paths taken by these young people have not always been easy. Many have overcome adversity and prejudice, but they are driven by courage, compassion and commitment – qualities shared by my mother.
“Their stories remind us of the importance of organisations like The Diana Award. I’ve seen on many occasions over the years how this charity empowers and mobilises young people to take action and make the changes they want to see in their communities and the world around them.
“Over the next two years, The Diana Award, alongside many of their partners here today, will equip these young people with the skills to have an even bigger impact. I am excited to see what they can all do together. This evening’s Legacy Award is particularly special as it marks the 25th Anniversary year of The Diana Award – a charity set up to reflect my mother’s belief that young people can change the world.
“I know that she would have been honoured to see a charity in her name doing such inspirational work to uplift young people from all corners of the globe. She taught me that everyone has the potential to give something back, that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life.
“That legacy is something that both Catherine and I have sought to focus on through our work, as have the 50,000 young people who have received a Diana Award over the past 25 years. I am incredibly proud to see this manifested in the amazing young people receiving the Legacy Award tonight. Thank you and have a good evening.”
William was present to confer the awards upon this year’s deserving recipients, acknowledged for their endeavors to enact positive change globally.
Among the 20 awardees, three originate from the UK, with the remaining young achievers representing diverse nations such as Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Jamaica, Australia, and more.
During the engagement, William met key staff and supporters of the Diana Award, a charity that was set up in memory of his mother and whose mission is to inspire young people to follow in Diana’s humanitarian and philanthropic footsteps. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the organisation.
Ahead of the event, Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, Chief Executive of The Diana Award, said: “As we mark the start of our 25th anniversary year these young people couldn’t be a more fitting tribute and legacy to Diana, the late Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.
“Through their courage, selflessness and sheer determination they are making change happen, often, in the face of huge adversity. Their compassion, determination and agency to make positive change today and in the years ahead is immense.”
After the ceremony, William took the opportunity to personally interact with the winners before heading back home to Windsor, where his wife, Princess Kate, is recuperating from surgery.
Meanwhile, his brother Harry is anticipated to join a video call with the awardees post-event, offering his congratulations for their accomplishments in social activism and humanitarian efforts. This virtual engagement, distinct from William’s physical presence, further signifies the ongoing distance between the royal siblings. Their relationship has been strained in recent years, exacerbated by Harry and his wife Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties and relocation to the US.
During Harry’s recent visit to the UK for a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House, prompted by news of the King’s cancer diagnosis last month, the brothers did not convene. However, in better times, William and Harry jointly presented the inaugural Diana Legacy Awards at St James’ Palace in 2017.Top of Form
