The late Princess Diana left Prince William and Prince Harry with “important warnings”, according to her former private secretary Patrick Jephson. The royal died aged 36 in August 1997, leaving behind her two sons whom she shared with the then-Prince Charles.
Both of her sons have gone on to lead very different paths – with William, 43, continuing his royal duties whilst being a doting father to his three children with Princess Kate. Harry, 40, stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now resides in California with Meghan Markle and their two children.
Explaining how Diana continues to appear in their lives, Patrick recalls some important advice that she gave Harry and William about royal life.
Speaking to PEOPLE, he added: “If they study Princess Diana’s life carefully – and I hope they often do – William, Harry and their advisers will know that she left them many good examples to follow and also a few important warnings to heed.
“Public affection and the rich rewards of royalty must be earned with self-sacrifice and service.”
They added: “I’m sure they are grateful that every day she can still guide, comfort and inspire them along the difficult path they were born to follow.”
Historian Amanda Foreman previously claimed that both Harry and William have provied their children with a genuinely authentic upbringing, adding that “that is pure Diana”.
Married to Princess Kate, William is a proud father to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and and Prince Louis, 7. Harry has a son and daughter – Prince Archie, 6, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet – with Meghan.
With both brothers sharing that they still often speak about their late mother, Amanda added: “The values they are instilling and discussing as families may be their best success.
“They are both very good role models as parents.”
