Prince Harry has claimed that the legacy of his mother, the late Princess of Wales, and young people’s determination to make a difference gave him “hope” during a guest appearance at the Diana Award ceremony, which took place just hours before Princess Kate’s Christmas carol concert on Friday.
The Duke of Sussex’s appearance was pre-recorded in the US in September, however, it was played during the ceremony on Thursday.
Harry looked relaxed and happy as he took part in the virtual event, giving a grin and a small clap when he appeared in a segment introducing some of the winners.
He was dressed in a smart suit and dark tie, as well as wearing a square metal Diana Award badge on his lapel, and chuckled as he was introduced as a “very special guest” and “a strong advocate for young people driving change”.
The duke was sat on a stool between Legacy Award recipients Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, from Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, from Jamaica.
Harry said in his message: “My mother’s belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me.
“No matter the challenges we face, whether it’s climate change, mental health or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope.”
The charity, which is marking its 25th anniversary, was founded in memory of Diana, who was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997.
The duke told the winners: “Sometimes the world’s problems can seem too big for any one person to tackle, but your efforts are a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to contribute to a fairer world.
“No one is ever a conduit for change alone and the award recipients we’re honouring today are testament to that.”
The Prince of Wales, who is in an ongoing feud with the duke, sent his own congratulations to the 200 winners separately on Wednesday, telling them in a letter: “Thank you for your dedication. You are all extraordinary.”
Harry’s video appearance came hours before the Princess of Wales stepped out in London to host her annual Together at Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Princess Kate beamed as she was joined by her own family, Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, as well as 22 other members of the Royal Family, as well as the Middleton family.
