My mother would be so proud of you all...
William praises ‘inspirational generation’ who continue legacy
PRINCES William and Harry were united yesterday as they congratulated the latest recipients of the Diana Award on what would have been their late mother’s 61st birthday.
The Duke of Cambridge, 40, expressed huge admiration for the “inspirational generation” of young people who personify Diana’s legacy with their efforts to change the world.
He told this year’s winners there was “no better way” to celebrate her life than by recognising those who give so much time to others, adding she would have been “so proud” of them all.
His brother, the Duke of Sussex,
37, said he sees his mother’s “legacy” when he looks at his children, as he hailed the recipients.
Harry launched the virtual ceremony by telling the “changemakers” their actions kept the princess’s voice “alive”, and they were the solution to the “disagreement, conflict and anger” seen across the globe. The awards ceremony honoured 180 young people from 29 countries with 35 Britons receiving the prestigious accolades.
Among the UK winners was 18-year-old Nina Andersen, from London, who set up Community Senior Letters when she was just 16. The project matches primary schools with care homes, providing residents with a form of human connection to ease feelings of isolation. Kieran Woodall, 17, who has volunteered over 800 hours in his local Covid vaccination centre in Driffield, Yorkshire – the most by an under-18 in the country – was also made a recipient. There was an honour too for Mya-Rose Craig, also known as Birdgirl. The 20-yearold ornithologist and campaigner for equal rights, from Bristol, created Black2Nature to run nature camps for black and minority ethnic children.
She told the Daily Express: “I am so incredibly happy to have won a Diana Award... the young people who come to our camps have not had the chance to connect with nature before, which is essential for mental health.
“Black and minority ethnic young people suffer much worse mental illness compared to other young people of that age, and the statistics continue like this through all ages.”
William told the winners: “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.”
He added: “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 Diana Award was established in 1999 in memory of the princess and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.
Each year, thousands of young people are nominated by individuals and communities. It is the only charity that carries the princess’s name.
This year’s ceremony marked the princess’s 61st birthday and the 25th anniversary of her death. Tessy Ojo CBE, chief executive of the Diana Award, said: “These young people demonstrate that the young have the power to change the world; a belief also held by Princess Diana.
“It is especially poignant as we remember Princess Diana, 25 years on.”