Prince William is paying tribute on what would have been his late mother Princess Diana’s 61st birthday.
On Friday, the Duke of Cambridge honored the recipients of the Diana Award which was named after the Princess of Wales.
Exodus 20:12 tells us to, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”
Princess Diana died in 1997 in a car accident which also claimed the lives of her driver, Henri Paul, and boyfriend Dodi Fayed, according to CNN. Prince William was only 15 years old at the time.
“In order to be eligible for the Diana Award, nominees must be aged between 9 and 25 and have been carrying out their activities for a minimum of 12 months,” per their website.
The criteria includes demonstrating “how the young person has gone above and beyond their average peer and the social impact they have made in their community.”
HRH The Duke of Cambridge shares his congratulations through a message of support to The 2022 Diana Award recipients:
— The Diana Award (@DianaAward) July 1, 2022
Read it here: https://t.co/gxGckE5RhO #2022DianaAwards pic.twitter.com/qcoUACFAy4
In a letter written by Prince William, from Kensington Palace, he writes, “Congratulations on receiving The Diana Award today! You are part of an inspirational generation of young people who are changing the world through your actions, and I hugely admire your efforts. 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.”
“You truly are the personification of my mother’s legacy and I know she would be so proud of
you all. I believe there’s no better way to celebrate her life and work than through recognising
incredible people who dedicate so much time and effort to helping those around them. I hope that you stand proud in the knowledge that you are making a real difference and that you enjoy today’s ceremony — you deserve it”, he continued.
Prince William also thanked them for their “compassion, bravery and absolute determination.”
He is second in the line to the throne and the eldest son of Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales.