Daily Mirror

Harry: Mum would be so proud of you

Prince hails Di award winners.. after Wills left event

- BY CHRISTOPHE­R BUCKTIN US Editor chris.bucktin@mirror.co.uk @DailyMirro­r

PRINCE Harry has paid a heartfelt tribute to a group of inspiratio­nal people continuing his late mother’s work fighting for the downtrodde­n.

He spoke of his pride as he chatted to winners of the Diana Legacy Awards via a video link from the US. His chat came after brother William had left the event in the Science Museum, Central London.

Harry, 39, told the youngsters: “My mum would be incredibly proud of all of the work that you’ve done, I’m incredibly proud and thank you for doing everything that you do.

“Thank you, very much, for inspiring so many others.

“And at the same time, protecting my mother’s legacy.

I really appreciate that.”

But the fact Harry waited until William had left the awards ceremony before addressing the winners highlighte­d the rift between the pair.

And there were claims Meghan, 42, tried to hijack William’s own chat on Thursday to the winners by launching her new lifestyle brand as the Prince prepared to speak.

The rumours were fuelled further when she and Harry announced the winner of their £78,000 Digital Civil Rights Award while William was still at the Science Museum.

The couple have a history of making declaratio­ns or appearance­s during key events held by the Royal Family.

Meghan revealed she was pregnant with her first child during Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

In 2022, the couple’s Netflix series trailer was released when William, 41, and Kate, 42, touched down in New York for a visit to the States.

Last year, Harry and Meghan hosted their first in-person Archewell Foundation event to help parents navigate mental health in a digital world, while the Prince and Princess of Wales marked World Mental Health Day with a forum for young people in Birmingham. Royal expert Richard Fitzwillia­ms said of the latest hijacking claims: “As far as the timing is concerned it’s perfectly obvious why the Sussexes have done this, they always plan pretty meticulous­ly. They never do anything accidental­ly.” Meghan’s newest business endeavour features home, food, garden and lifestyle goods. A new Instagram account for American Riviera Orchard emerged online on Thursday.

It identifies the brand as “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex”.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the venture amid claims it violates the agreement the Sussexes reached with the late Queen after their departure from royal life in March 2020.

It included a stipulatio­n that the couple refrain from exploiting their royal titles for financial gain.

Reports in the US say there is a trademark applicatio­n for American Riviera Orchard, indicating the brand plans to sell homeware and jams.

 ?? ?? CHAT’S FUNNY Prince Harry has a laugh at ceremony
CHAT’S FUNNY Prince Harry has a laugh at ceremony
 ?? ?? ROYAL TALK
Youngsters listen to Duke
ROYAL TALK Youngsters listen to Duke
 ?? ?? FUN Diana and princes in 1993 at Thorpe Park
FUN Diana and princes in 1993 at Thorpe Park
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 ?? ?? ROYAL JELLY
Meghan. Right, video for new brand trademarki­ng jam
ROYAL JELLY Meghan. Right, video for new brand trademarki­ng jam
 ?? ?? PRIDE Wills and winner Olivia Zhang
PRIDE Wills and winner Olivia Zhang

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