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Privacy Notice The tragic loss of Diana, Princess of Wales in a Paris car crash left the nation in mourning, but none felt the impact more than her young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. At the time they were on holiday at Balmoral with their father, King Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, and other Royal Family members. It was Charles who had to break the devastating news to his sons, after the tragedy on 31 August, 2007. Over the years, both princes have shared insights into how they coped with their mother’s death and its profound effect on their lives. They’ve honoured her memory with laughter, recalling cherished moments, while also acknowledging the deep sorrow that came with their loss.
Prince William has spoken about his mother many times
(Image: Reuters)
Prince William has been particularly open about his determination to not let the tragedy define him negatively. In the heartfelt ITV documentary Diana, Our Mother, which aired in 2017, Prince William spoke with raw honesty about his mother’s influence on his life. He reflected: “It’ll either make or break you. And I wouldn’t let it break me, I wanted it to make me. I wanted her to be proud of the person I’d become. I didn’t want her worried or her legacy to be, you know, that William and/or Harry were completely and utterly devastated by it.” Prince William also recounted the poignant moment he stepped out of Kensington Palace to meet the grieving public, view the sea of flowers, and read heartfelt messages left in tribute to Diana.
Prince William has often reflected on his mother’s passing
(Image: Getty Images)
“They were shouting, wailing, literally wailing at us, throwing flowers, and yelling, sobbing, breaking down, people fainted, collapsed. It was a very alien environment. I couldn’t understand why everyone wanted to cry as loud as they did and show such emotion as they did when they didn’t really know our mother. “I did feel a bit protective at times about that. You didn’t even know her why and how are you so upset? Now looking back, I have learnt to understand what it was she gave the world and what she gave a lot of people.” Another of William’s most poignant reflections came when he stepped into the role of Lord High Commissioner to the 2021 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, where he reminisced over his bittersweet experiences in the country. “Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy.
(Image: Getty Images)
“In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning. And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep. “And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland twenty years ago this year – that I first met Catherine. Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart. “George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders”.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnPrince WilliamPrincess DianaRoyal FamilyPrince HarryKing Charles IIIBalmoralKate MiddletonPrince GeorgePrincess CharlottePrince Louis
