Prince William shares emotional letter on his mothers 61st Birthday

Prince Harry and Prince William have shared separate tributes to their mother on what would have been her 61st birthday.

The Duke of Sussex, 36, appeared without his brother the Duke of Cambridge, 40, as he remembered their mother at a virtual ceremony for the Diana Awards, telling the young recipients that he still thinks about her ‘every day’.

The award show was broadcast online on July 1, a day after the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death.

‘There isn’t a day during the past two and a half decades where I haven’t thought about the mark she left, not only on me and my brother, but on all of our lives,’ he said.

‘I see her legacy in all of you. I see her legacy in a Diana Award community that spans multiple generations. I see her legacy every time I meet with families, young people, and children from all corner of the world.

‘And I see my mum’s legacy when I look at my own children every single day.’

Prince William, 40, did not take part in the ceremony and instead sent a letter to the winners saying his mother would be ‘so proud’ of what they achieved.

The last time the brothers were in the presence of each other was during the Queen’s platinum celebrations in early June, both attending the service of thanksgiving for the Monarch at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 3.

The Diana Award honors people aged 9-25 for their social action and humanitarian work.

The award ceremony honored 180 young philanthropists from 29 countries around the world, including 40 from the UK.

Prince Harry appeared via video link from an unknown location to welcome the young participants to the awards.

‘Today we’re reflecting on what would have been my mother’s 61st birthday,’ he said, welcoming the attendees. ‘And this year it’s also 25 years since her passing.’

He continued: ‘This is a special year and one where I hope we take the extra time to not just remember her as she lived, but to reflect on the life she continues to leads through so many, including the young Changemakers with us today.’

‘My mother instilled in me and in all of us a drive to speak up and fight for a better world. And now, as a husband and a parent, my mother’s voice is even stronger in my life.

‘All of you have kept her voice alive by showing the world how each small action counts, how kindness is still valued and how our world can be better if we choose to make it so.

‘To everybody who is part of this afternoon, know that you are already making a difference and we need you to keep making a difference.

‘Don’t ever give up on the idea that each of you can create lasting and much needed change.’

He closed the ceremony by saying: ‘What is we choose to believe in the idea that one person can change the world? What if we already know that to be possible?

‘If you take away one thing from today, please let it be that no matter who you are or where you’re from or what you background is, you can create positive change in our world.

‘My mother knew that young people have the power to accomplish anything and can act beyond their years, as the leaders we so desperately need right now. The rest of us, well, we haven’t made it easy for you.

‘We know that our young face unique challenges to their mental health and wellbeing, increasing social and economic barriers and a world consumed by disagreement, conflict and anger.

‘But we need to listen to you and we need to empower you, because you are our only way out of the mess.

‘While you shouldn’t alone be responsibly for cleaning it up, I truly believe that you’re the ones with the capability and leadership to do so.

‘And our role should be to invest in you, and have you at the table when big decisions are being made…

‘I know the memory I hold of my mum will never fade, because I see her spirit in each of you. So thank you for keeping her fire alive.’

Meanwhile Prince William wrote to the winners: ‘Congratulations on receiving The Diana Award today!

‘You are part of an inspirational generation of young people who are changing the world through your actions, and I hugely admire your efforts. Your stories are remarkable.

‘Many of you face huge challenges in the face of difficult times, yet you are tirelessly breaking down barriers to create a better future for us all.

‘Thank you for your compassion, bravery and absolute determination. You truly are the personification of my mother’s legacy and I know she would be so proud of you all.’

The royal added: ‘I believe there’s no better way to celebrate her life and work than through recognising incredible people who dedicate so much time and effort to helping those around them.

‘I hope that you stand proud in the knowledge that you are making a real difference and that you enjoy today’s ceremony – you deserve it!’

Both William and his brother Prince Harry support the Diana Award, which is the only charity that carries their mother’s name.

The Diana Award was established in 1999 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.

The charity runs anti-bullying and mentoring programmes while also rewarding young people who carry out inspiring work.

Each year, thousands of young people are nominated by individuals and their communities to highlight these selfless acts.

Last year William and Harry got together to unveil a statue of the late Princess in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden.

In a a joint statement they said: ‘Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.

‘Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.’