‘Catherine and I are focused on Diana’s legacy’: Prince William

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, at an awards ceremony in London but made no mention of his brother Harry.

Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the The Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum in London. Picture: AFP.

Prince William has paid tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, at an awards ceremony in London, saying he and his wife Catherine have sought to focus on Diana’s legacy in their work.

Speaking at the Science Museum in London, where he presented the Diana Legacy Award to 20 recipients, the Prince of Wales said his mother, who died in 1997 aged 36, would have been “honoured” by the work of the charity.

“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 beliefs that young people can change the world,” he said.

I know 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.”

Prince William with Oluwadamilola Akintewe at The Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images.

William’s brother Harry is due to address the ceremony via a video call, after William leaves the awards. Harry will also talk to the winners of the award.

Prince William made no mention of the Duke of Sussex, who lives in California with his wife and children, in his speech.

Although both princes are understood to be committed to supporting the awards scheme, which was established to honour their late mother, their refusal to fully join forces highlights their rift.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Prince [of Wales] will meet key staff and supporters of the Diana Award, before joining the ceremony, where he will hear about the recipients’ work, make a short speech and present Legacy Awards to this year’s winners.”

Tessy Ojo, the Diana Award chief executive, 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 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.”