Princess Diana’s Legacy: How Prince William and Harry honour the People’s Princess

Princess Diana, often remembered as the “People’s Princess,” left behind more than just fond memories. She inspired a legacy of compassion, support, and service that her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, continue to honour today.

Here are some of the ways her sons keep her spirit alive.

Continuing Diana’s Charitable Work:

Diana didn’t just raise awareness, she broke barriers. The People's Princess was seen wearing body armor in Angola with the Halo Trust to hugging HIV-positive children in Brazil, she has shown the world the power of kindness.

Both of her sons Prince William and Harry have learned those lessons to heart. William became a patron of Centrepoint, a charity Diana introduced him to. “My mother introduced that sort of area to me a long time ago,” he said. “It was a real eye-opener and I am very glad she did.”

Harry followed in her footsteps, working with Halo Trust and HIV/AIDS charities. In 2016, he even live-streamed an AIDS test, reminding, “It is time for us to step up to make sure no young person feels any shame in asking for an HIV test.”

Championing Mental Health Together:

Mental health was a subject close to Diana’s heart. In a 1995 interview, she openly discussed struggles with depression and self-harm.

To carry on her legacy, William, Harry, and Kate Middleton created Heads Together, a joint initiative to challenge stigma. 

“The Royal Family has not normally done this… but we thought, well, if we tied it together and had a focused approach, how would that work?” William told GQ. Their collaborative effort has made mental health one of the central pillars of their charitable work.

Keeping Her Memory Alive Through Public Tributes:

In 2007, the brothers organized Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, with performances by stars like Elton John, Kanye West, and Andrea Bocelli.

“This evening is about all that our mother loved in life: her music, her dance, her charities and her family and friends,” William said on stage.

Honouring Her Privately as a Family:

Beyond the public spotlight, William and Harry also honour Diana in deeply personal ways. William named his daughter Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, while both brothers gather each year on the anniversary of her passing to reminisce.

“One thing I can always say about my mother is she smothered Harry and me in love,” William shared with GQ. “Twenty years on I still feel the love she gave us.”