It's been almost 20 years since Princess Diana died in a tragic car accident in Paris, but her legacy lives on through her sons, William and Harry, who were 15 and 12, respectively, at the time of their mother’s death. We all know that certain characteristics and traits are passed down to us from our parents, and it’s clear the royal sons inherited Diana’s innate sense of style, compassion, and kindness, as demonstrated in the vast majority of their philanthropic efforts. With the anniversary of Diana’s birth (July 1) and death approaching soon, the princes are commemorating her life and the mark she left around the world, and they’re also opening up in interviews about her untimely passing. In honor of this celebration, here are the sweetest and most heart-wrenching things they’ve said recently about the “People’s Princess.” And we hope these 10 quotes are encouraging to anyone coping with the loss of a loved one on Mother's Day.
On Understanding Time Heals All Wounds
"Time makes it easier. I still miss my mother every day — and it's 20 years after she died."
- Prince William
On Relishing in a Mother’s Pride
"It's a huge shame she's not here. But I hope she'd be incredibly proud of what we managed to achieve."
- Prince Harry
On Recognizing His Mother’s Influence
"I never realized quite how much of an impact she had. I applaud her for all her dedication and drive, and I think the infectious enthusiasm and all the energy she had really rubbed off on me for causes such as [AIDS research in Africa]."
- Prince William
On Knowing That His Mother Made a Difference
"We will do everything we can to make sure she's never forgotten, and carry on all of the special gifts and such that she had and that she portrayed when she was alive. I hope that a lot of my mother's talents are shown in the work that I do."
- Prince Harry
On Cherishing Memories
“Initially, there is a sense of profound shock and disbelief that this could ever happen to you. Real grief often does not hit home until much later. For many it is a grief never entirely lost. Life is altered as you know it, and not a day goes past without you thinking about the one you have lost. I know that over time it is possible to learn to live with what has happened and, with the passing of years, to retain or rediscover cherished memories."
- Prince William
On Their Mother Being Proud of Them
"I hope she's looking down [at our family] with tears in her eyes being incredibly proud of what we've established. I'm sure she's longing for me to have kids so she can be a grandmother again...but I hope that everything we do privately and officially, that it makes her proud."
- Prince Harry
On Managing Grief Through Absence
"Losing a close family member is one of the hardest experiences that anyone can ever endure. Never being able to say the word 'Mummy' again in your life sounds like a small thing. I too have felt —and still feel—the emptiness on such a day as Mother's Day."
- Prince William
On Sharing His Mother's Wisdom
"Losing your mother at such a young age does end up shaping your life massively, of course it does. And now I find myself trying to be there and give advice to other people who are in similar positions."
- Prince Harry
On Continuing His Mother's Legacy
"Twenty-one years ago, my mother attended the launch of the Child Bereavement charity. Fifteen years later, I was honored to be invited to become patron of Child Bereavement UK to continue my mother's commitment to a charity which is very dear to me. What my mother recognized back then, and what I understand now, is that grief is the most painful experience that any child or parent can endure."
- Prince William
On Embracing Happy Memories
"Every day, depending on what I'm doing, I wonder what it would be like if she was here, and what she would say, and how she would be making everybody else laugh. Who knows what the situation would be, what the world would be like, if she were still around."
- Prince Harry
