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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Russell Myers

William and Harry won't mark 25th anniversary of mum Princess Diana's death together

Princes William and Harry will not jointly mark the 25th anniversary of their mother Princess Diana’s death today, choosing to pay their own respects privately.

The Duke of Cambridge was “not planning” to mark to occasion with a public statement, according to aides.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex, who continues to be locked in a bitter dispute with his family after quitting his royal role for a new life in America, last week said he hoped to “share the spirit of my mum with my family, with my children, who I wish could have met her”.

Harry paid tribute to the Princess of Wales at a fundraiser for the charity Sentebale he founded in her memory, saying: “Every day, I hope to do her proud”.

He went on to tell a gathering of fundraisers at a charity polo match how he wished his two children, Archie three and Lilibet Diana, one, could have met her.

Princess Diana with sons Harry, William and Prince Charles (AFP via Getty Images)

A source close to the Duke of Cambridge said: “He (William) will no doubt spend the day reflecting on his mother’s incredible legacy and the work he continues to do every day to further it in any way he can.”

Princess Diana was tragically killed in a high speed car crash in a Paris tunnel on August 31,1997.

Her lover Dodi Fayed and the driver of the car Henri Paul, who was deputy head of security of the Paris Ritz hotel where Diana was dining with Mr Fayed, also perished.

When Diana died aged 36 she was embarking on a new period of her life, free from the restraints of being a member of the monarchy and intent on using her position to champion the causes close to her heart.

William and Harry with their mother Diana and nanny Olga Powell (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Previous anniversaries have seen the brothers mark the day together, most recently unveiling a statue of Diana in summer 2021.

On the 20th anniversary of her death in 2017, they were side by side as they viewed tributes left for the princess at her former home of Kensington Palace, and both took part in a documentary celebrating her legacy.

Prince Harry, speaking at the Sentebale Polo Cup 2022 in Aspen, Colorado, last Thursday, said he had founded the charity alongside friend Prince Seeiso 16 years ago “in honour of our mothers”.

“In Sesotho, the language of the Basotho - the word Sentebale means “forget me not”, he said.

“Next week is the 25th anniversary of my mother’s death, and she most certainly will never be forgotten.

“I want it to be a day filled with memories of her incredible work and love for the way she did it.

“I want it to be a day to share the spirit of my mum with my family, with my children, who I wish could have met her.

“Every day, I hope to do her proud."

The two princes will mark the occasion in private (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Diana’s ability to "connect" with people remains one of her most enduring legacies, a charity boss has said.

Tessy Ojo, chief executive officer of The Diana Award, established to promote the princess's belief young people have the power to change the world for the better, has paid tribute to the royal and described how she left flowers at Kensington Palace after Diana was killed in a car crash.

Ms Ojo said: "Her ability to connect with people through kindness and compassion is one of her most significant legacies. She left a mark on all our lives."

She added: "Diana, Princess of Wales, believed that young people have the power to change the world. Continuing her legacy also means building the capacity of young people to change their world by tackling the big issues of our time.

"Like Diana, Princess of Wales, they're not afraid to speak out and be at the forefront of change. I can only imagine how immensely proud she would be of the tens of thousands of young people from across the world who are continuing her legacy."

Fans of Diana are expected to gather at her former home of Kensington Palace and remember her.

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