Prince Harry has paid tribute to his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales days ahead of the 25th anniversary of her tragic death.
Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in 1997 on 31 August, weeks after her 36th birthday, leaving behind her sons Harry, now 37, and Prince William, now 40, who were just teenagers at the time.
The Duke of Sussex spoke in loving memory of his mother as he attended a fundraiser for the charity Sentebale, founded by himself in 2006 in memory of Princess Diana.
Harry opened up about his wishes for his two children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, who live with him in the US, to have met their grandmother, as he reflected on the Princess of Wales’ legacy.
The Duke said “every day, I hope I do you proud” referring to Diana as he spoke at the charity, which was created to help children in Africa overcome poverty, inequality, HIV/AIDS and recently Covid-19.
Harry said: “My dear friend Prince Seeiso [of Lesotho] and I founded Sentebale 16 years ago in honour of our mothers, with a mission to support many of the most vulnerable young people on the planet – and to give them care and help them thrive.
“In Sesotho, the language of the Basotho – the word Sentebale means 'forget me not'.
"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."
Princess Diana’s partner Dodi Fayed and her driver Henri Paul were also killed in the fatal car crash 25 years ago.
Harry spoke on his mother’s committed charity efforts during her life as he continued: “She was tireless in her work to support and destigmatise those experiencing HIV/AIDS. Fittingly, her favourite flowers were 'forget-me-nots'.
“I hope we can remember my mother’s legacy by recommitting to those we serve, whoever and wherever that may be.
“For Sentebale, our commitment is to ending HIV and providing meaningful care and support for the children and young people whose lives have been affected by this disease. Because they too will never be forgotten.”
Addressing the funds that need to be raised, Harry added: “We are all proud of the support we are able to give the young people of Lesotho and Botswana to feel empowered, healthy, resilient, and able to thrive.
“The funds raised this year will be invested in these communities at a critical time, as inequalities have been exacerbated by the pandemic. At Sentebale we strive to break generational cycles of trauma and stigma every day.
“By educating and empowering young people to know their status and to know they can live long, healthy lives while on medication, we aim to end HIV once and for all."
READ MORE:
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- Prince William's very own 'Diana' moment with 'extraordinary embrace and smile'
- Diana would have made 'impetuous' Prince Harry reconsider US move, says her friend
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