Prince Harry and his estranged brother, Prince William, have separately extended their congratulations to the winners of this year’s Diana Award. The Duke of Sussex’s pre-recorded message was played at Thursday’s award ceremony for the charity, which was established 25 years ago in honor of their late mother, Princess Diana.
In the video recorded in September during an event in New York where he met this year’s recipients, the duke appeared alongside Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, from Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, from Jamaica — both award recipients. Harry, who is currently in New York, commended the “remarkable accomplishments of young people who embody the spirit of the Diana Award,” noting that the charity’s mission is to encourage young individuals to effect “positive change.”
“My mother’s conviction in the potential of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me,” Harry, 40, stated in the clip. “Regardless of the challenges we confront, be it climate change, mental health, or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope.” The father of two added, “Sometimes the world’s problems can appear too vast for any one person to address, but your efforts serve as a potent reminder that we all possess the capacity to contribute to a more just world.”
Separately, Prince William penned a letter to this year’s recipients, lauding them for their “kindness and compassion.” “My mother… would be profoundly proud of you,” the Prince of Wales, 42, wrote. “In this significant 25th anniversary year for the Diana Award, it is heartening to witness young people from across the globe being acknowledged,” the future king noted, adding that the world can often “feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place.”
Elsewhere, Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the charity, remarked that this year’s recipients are “inspiring change for their generation.” “This event is particularly special as it marks our 25th anniversary year and our most competitive year yet with record nominations,” she stated in a release.
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