Diana’s legacy of love for all Royal mums
She was the Princess of Hearts, a global icon and tireless humanitarian worker – but first and foremost Diana was a devoted mother.
This revealing film details how the Princess of Wales created a revolution in royal parenting. Archive footage of Diana with sons William and Harry paints a picture of a loving, fun and fiercely protective mum who left a lasting legacy long after her tragic death in 1997.
Journalist Roya Nikkhah said: “Diana completely changed royal motherhood. She put being a mum before the monarchy and all future royal mothers have her to thank for that.”
Diana had an unhappy childhood as a result of her parents’ acrimonious divorce when she was a little girl. But those bad memories inspired her to become a better parent herself.
Royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “Diana said she was going to shower her children with love and cuddles, as she didn’t get that when she was young.”
When Diana worked as a nanny, it was obvious she adored kids, and she fell pregnant months after marrying Prince Charles in 1981, giving birth to William the following June. From the start she abandoned royal protocol to be a doting, hands-on mother. At her insistence, William accompanied them on a tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1983.
Historian Piers Brendon said: “Diana broke the mould by dispensing with the nanny state. She breastfed her children, put them to bed herself and was the very model of a modern mummy.”
Harry was born in September 1984, but Diana’s marriage to Charles ended three years later. After withdrawing from public life, Diana enjoyed spending more time with her boys.
“Motherhood was her principle purpose on Earth,’ said Richard Kay, a confidant of the princess. “She considered raising William and Harry her no1 task.”