‘My mum would be so proud of you’: Prince Harry’s heartfelt tribute

Prince Harry has kicked off a week-long New York trip -sans Meghan Markle – with an emotional nod to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Prince Harry has referenced his late mother during a speech to young global activists in New York.

The Duke of Sussex, who is in New York for a week without his wife, Meghan Markle, spoke at a panel for The Diana Award, a nonprofit organisation founded after the late princess’s death at age 36 in 1997.

He paid tribute to award recipients, Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, of Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, of Jamaica.

“I applaud you for certainly, [at] your age, to be on this stage, to have the confidence that you do, and to be able to speak as clearly and as passionately as you do,” Prince Harry said.

Prince Harry referenced his mother during a talk with young activists in New York. Picture: Getty

“And I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys — not just you, but all of the award winners.”

Prince Harry, who was just 12 when his mother died, joined The Diana Award CEO Dr Tessy Ojo and two recipients of the award for a panel discussion about the mental health challenges young people face today.

“One of the reasons we are here today is mental health,” he said.

“The fact that it affects every single one of us from top to bottom, from the youngest to the oldest. I think you guys are leading the charge in hopefully being able to break down the stigma to be able to continue these conversations,” he said.

Prince Harry congratulated recipients of the Diana Award, the obly award named after his mother. Picture: Getty Images

“The courage that you have gives me hope, because every single one of us need courage in order to really move the dial and create positive change in today’s world, probably more so now than ever.”

“So thank you to you guys for giving me and probably a whole lot of people in this room hope, and now we need to listen — constantly listen — and then act on the advice and the vision that you have, because otherwise it’s your future that’s being stolen from you, and that is unacceptable.”

Prince Harry is in New York for a week. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry landed in New York from California on Sunday local time and later went to a charity dinner hosted by the World Health Organisation that honoured survivors of childhood violence. He mingled with Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and actor Forest Whitaker, among others.

Prince Harry was an engaging presence on the panel. Picture: Getty Images

During the week he will also take part in work surrounding African Parks, Travalyst and the Clinton Global Initiative. The US-based royal will also continue to honour his mother Princess Diana during work with The HALO Trust, a humanitarian group at work in over 30 countries and territories around the world to clear landmines and debris of war, a cause that was dear to Princess Diana’s heart.

Prince Harry honoured Princess Diana in New York. Picture: AFP

HARRY TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT COSTNER EVENT

Earlier, Prince Harry presented an award at a fundraiser organised by Oscar winner Kevin Costner but was not joined by wife Meghan Markle.

The Duchess of Sussex was said to be under the weather as the 40-year-old prince appeared solo at the Santa Barbara One805Live! annual event at Costner’s beachfront estate in the celebrity-heavy town of Carpinteria, California.

The prince presented an award to helicopter pilot Loren Courtney in recognition of his service in the military.

Prince Harry appeared solo at an event held at Kevin Costner's beachfront estate. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry presenting an award to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot Loren Courtney. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry sauntered on stage in a suit but was not wearing socks or shoes for the occasion as he cracked a joke about how he – a former pilot – and Mr Courtney felt more at home behind a cockpit than on stage.

During the presentation, the royal laughed with his fellow pilot that he “rarely sees his family because he’s always here flying helicopters,” according to People.

Prince Harry backstage with 1980s pop star, Richard Marx. Picture: Instagram

The pop star posted a video of the meeting to Instagram. Picture: Instagram

Courtney went on to tell stories of his past rescues including one involving five skiers who fell down a 10-metre embankment and it took the pilot five attempts to rescue one of them.

The skier eventually healed up and proposed to his girlfriend at the top of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.

“You didn’t have to rescue him again, did you,” Prince Harry joked. “You are one of the many heroes here tonight. There are people here tonight who are alive because of you and who are back to their families because of you … from everybody here, thank you so much.”

Superstar Pink, Richard Marx and Costner all performed at the event.

Kevin Costner performed at the event. Picture: Getty Images

Backstage, Prince Harry met with Marx as the two shook hands and had a conversation, according to a video shared by the singer’s wife on Instagram.

Last year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex presented Costner with the Heart of the Community Award.

Ms Markle attended the event alongside Prince Harry last year but is said to have been forced out due to her illness.

Prince Harry with helicopter pilot Loren Courtney. Picture: Getty Images

“We were all hoping Meghan would attend like she did last year but the word is that she is sick and could not make it,” a source told the Mirror.

The prince is now set to travel to New York to attend the Diana Awards. while an event is set to be held by the Halo Trust, where his mother worked before she died.

Prince Harry and Markle moved to the US in 2020 and have relinquished royal duties.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared the event last year. Picture: Getty Images

It’s said the Duke has been consulting former aides about a possible partial return to the UK, as he seeks to “rehabilitate” his image in Britain.

He celebrated his 40th anniversary last weekend with a rare message on social media from his brother William – the two having been locked in a feud for several years.

“Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!” was the message.

In a statement to the BBC, Harry said: “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40.

“Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”

Originally published as ‘My mum would be so proud of you’: Prince Harry’s heartfelt tribute