Royal writer Judy Wade reflects on Diana’s most important legacy — her sons.
When Princes William and Harry walk on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 1, their only thought will be to make the Concert For Diana — the one they planned and organised — a perfect tribute to the mother they adored.
Sadly, the boys were too young and grief-stricken to take charge of events after my favourite royal, Diana, died 10 years ago, so this is their chance to show the world how much they love and miss her.
The concert will be shown in 140 countries on what would have been their mother’s 46th birthday. “We wanted something that would really bring her whole spirit — her joy of life and everything she stood for. And on her birthday, it’s got to be the best birthday present she’s ever had,” explains William.
The Princes recall how they would often find their mother dancing around the Palace to some of the artists scheduled to perform at the concert.
“We used to catch her dancing to her music — we’d walk out of the room rather embarrassed that our mother was just dancing around,” recounts William. “It was a big release for her.”
During my days reporting on the Royal Family, Diana regularly told me of her dream that William would be a new kind of king, one more in touch with ordinary people. So she made him queue up at their local hamburger bar and told him to wait his turn for rides at Disney World in Florida, refusing offers to go to the head of the line.
Despite having servants at their disposal, the Princess expected her sons to be tidy and helpful, but like most teenage boys they didn’t enjoy household chores. “Put your laundry away,” she once told Harry after a housemaid brought in a pile of freshly ironed clothing. Half an hour later, when she found it still sitting on a table, she reminded him again.
“OK, but stop nagging!” he replied.
Just before Diana died she was planning to take William to the dentist, and to have him measured for his first grown-up suit. All those plans were swept away with her death on August 31, 1997, and the Princes were moved from Diana’s home at Kensington Palace to their father’s place at St James’s Palace.
Harry sobbed for months, while William, still only 15, bottled up his feelings, rarely talking about Diana. Once, while sitting in the cosy kitchen of a friend’s home, he suddenly cried, “I miss my mother so much, sometimes I just can’t stand it.” Then out poured months of longing and loss…
For the full story, see this week’s Woman’s Day (on-sale June 25).
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