‘She Is Always With Us’: Princes William and Harry Unite in Tribute to Their Mother Princess Diana on 28th Anniversary of Her Death
Twenty-eight years may have passed since the world was left reeling from the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, but for her sons, Princes William and Harry, the grief has never truly faded.
This week, in quiet but deeply symbolic gestures, the estranged brothers — who have spent the past years divided by family rifts and oceans apart — each paid tribute to their mother in ways that showed, despite everything, the memory of Diana remains a bond that can never be broken.
A Painful Anniversary
August 31st marks the anniversary of the Paris car crash in 1997 that claimed the life of the “People’s Princess.” For William and Harry, then just 15 and 12 years old, the loss was more than a national tragedy; it was the shattering of their world.
Now fathers themselves, both men have spoken in recent years about the indelible mark their mother left on them. And this year, though not physically together, each made it clear that Diana’s presence still guides their lives.
William’s Private Reflection at Kensington Palace
Prince William, 43, chose a deeply personal setting for his remembrance. He was seen with his family visiting the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, the lush memorial space dedicated to Diana, where a statue of her now stands surrounded by roses, forget-me-nots, and tulips.
Sources say the Prince of Wales took a quiet moment of reflection there with Catherine and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. George, now 12, has reportedly been learning more about his late grandmother, asking questions about her charity work and her famous compassion for those in need.
“William wants his children to know Diana not as a distant historical figure, but as their grandmother who loved people and fought for kindness,” a palace insider told the Mail. “He often tells them stories about her laughter, her warmth, and her belief in using your voice to help others.”
Harry’s Emotional Message From California
Across the Atlantic, Prince Harry marked the day in his own way. In a heartfelt message released through the Archewell Foundation, the Duke of Sussex, 40, reflected on his mother’s influence and how he strives to pass her values on to his children, Archie and Lilibet.
“She is always with us,” Harry wrote. “In my children’s smiles, in the work we do, and in the courage to tell the truth even when it is difficult. Mum taught us to care without limits, and I try to honour that every day.”
The note struck a chord with fans, many of whom praised Harry for speaking so openly about grief. One supporter wrote on social media: “No matter where they are, William and Harry will always be united by Diana’s love.”
Divided Brothers, Shared Grief
The contrasting tributes come amid continued reports of a strained relationship between the brothers. Since Harry and Meghan’s move to California in 2020, the once-inseparable princes have rarely been seen together, their paths diverging both personally and professionally.
Yet Diana remains a bridge between them. Both have previously admitted that her loss shaped the men they became. William has spoken of his commitment to continue her work in mental health and homelessness charities, while Harry has carried her spirit of activism into his projects on veterans’ welfare and global health.
“Despite their differences, this is the one day of the year that always brings them back to the same place emotionally,” royal commentator Emily Andrews explained. “They may express it differently, but both William and Harry want the world to remember Diana as more than a tragic figure — they want her remembered as a mother whose love never left them.”
Passing Diana’s Legacy to the Next Generation
One of the most poignant aspects of this year’s anniversary is how both brothers are determined to weave Diana’s memory into the lives of their children.
For William, that means bedtime stories about Diana’s charity visits, and teaching George and Charlotte about empathy through her example. For Harry, it is about instilling Diana’s belief in compassion into Archie and Lilibet, even as they grow up far from the British royal spotlight.
“Diana would have been the most extraordinary grandmother,” a close family friend told the Mail. “She adored children, and she would have doted on William and Harry’s little ones. The fact that her sons are so committed to keeping her memory alive shows how strong that bond still is.”
The World Remembers Too
Across Britain, tributes poured in. Fans gathered at the gates of Kensington Palace, laying flowers, candles, and handwritten notes. In Paris, at the Pont de l’Alma tunnel, where Diana’s life ended so tragically, mourners left wreaths and messages reading “Forever in our hearts.”
On social media, thousands shared personal stories of how Diana had inspired them. “I was just a child when she died, but she made me want to be kinder,” one wrote. Another added: “She changed the way we saw royalty — she showed us humanity.”
A Love That Endures
Though they may live in separate worlds now, William and Harry’s tributes prove that Diana’s presence is eternal in their lives. The love she gave her sons continues to guide them as fathers, husbands, and men navigating the pressures of public life.
“She is always with us,” Harry wrote — words echoed by William in his own actions. And as the 28th anniversary of Diana’s passing reminds us, grief may change over time, but love never fades.
Conclusion: United by Memory
The brothers’ paths may never fully converge again, but when it comes to remembering their mother, they remain unshakably aligned. Diana’s legacy is not just in the causes she championed, but in the values her sons now carry forward — values of empathy, authenticity, and courage.
Twenty-eight years on, the world still remembers the princess who captured hearts. And for her sons, the message is clear: she remains, as ever, a guiding light.