Prince William and Prince Harry to appear separately at event honouring Princess Diana

Prince Harry and Prince William took on very different roles in the Diana Legacy Awards in London, after Meghan Markle revealed a surprise new venture.

Prince William made a heartfelt speech paying tribute to his mum Diana an hour after Meghan Markle launched a luxurious lifestyle brand.

The Prince of Wales, 41, told guests at the Diana Legacy Award gathered in the Science Museum in London his mother taught him that “everyone has the potential to give something back”.

William’s speech came after a new account for American Rivera Orchard appeared on Instagram.

Prince William pays tribute to his mother Diana at The Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum in London. Picture: AFP

William mingles with Scottish singer-songwriter Tom Walker (L), Ken Spellman (C) and Tessy Oho at the Science Museum in London. Picture: AFP

William shakes hands with Doreen Lawrence at the Science Museum in London. Picture: AFP

The brand is described as “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex” and contains a link to a website pointing to a mailing list.

According to sources that have spoken to Page Six, the business will sell home, food, garden and lifestyle products.

“She’s been working on this for over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart — all the things she’s passionate about.”

Meghan Markle in video posted on new Instagram account 'American Riviera Orchard'.

The video has prompted some to called Meghan the “new Martha” aka Martha Stewart (American businesswoman).

The logo for the new luxury brand by Meghan Markle.

Meghan has been working on American Riviera Orchard for over a year, according to a source.

William told guests he and his wife, Princess Catherine, wanted to focus on Diana’s legacy through their work.
“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,” he said.

Harry is also expected to speak at the event via video link but William will be gone by then in a sign their rift has hit rock bottom. Picture: Getty Images

“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.”

The Sun estimates the brothers’ rift began as far back as 2018, although they put on a united front for the 2021 Award in honour of their mum’s 60th birthday.

The first sign of tension between the brothers reportedly came after William was introduced to Meghan when she was staying at Kensington Palace and he questioned the speed of Harry and Meghan’s engagement.

Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William in 1999. Picture: Getty Images

The Diana Award told People Magazine that Harry “will be a key part of our Legacy Awards celebration, which takes place over the course of this week. He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients virtually the same evening of the Awards to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Prince Harry joined winners of the Diana Legacy Awards in a “causal” video chat after his brother Prince William left the event.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speaks via video link during The Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum. Picture: The Diana Legacy Awards/Getty Images

Prince Harry speaks with Diana Legacy Award winners. Picture: Getty Images

The Duke of Sussex was seen smiling during the video call to the room of winners.

The Diana Award was set up two years after Diana died following a car crash in 1997 and is the only charity to carry her name. This year marks its 25th anniversary.

Prince Harry, left and Prince William give an award to 11-yea- old Jonathan Ryan during The Diana Award 2017 ceremony. Picture: AP

Last year, the brothers took part in an occasion honouring the young winners of the Diana Award, with Harry taking part in a Q&A in Los Angeles, while William recorded a video message.

This year’s winners of the Legacy Awards come from around the world, including Australia, the US and UK, Bangladesh, the Cayman Islands, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, and the UAE.

Prince Harry during the The Diana Award's inaugural Legacy Award at St James's Palace, London, in 2017. Picture: AP

It comes as the British royal family continues to battle and health and media upheavals.

As King Charles III deals with cancer treatment, Catherine, 42, who is recovering from surgery, issued an apology following the release of a Mother’s Day portrait that was pulled by multiple news agencies due to suspicions of Photoshop manipulation.

The photo featured her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 and was signed with a “C” for Catherine.

“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing, Kate wrote in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).

“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”

Originally published as Prince William and Prince Harry to appear separately at event honouring Princess Diana