As the 27th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death approaches, Prince William and Princess Catherine have taken poignant steps to ensure that their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, remember and honor their late grandmother.
Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris over 25 years ago, never met her grandchildren.
At the time of her death, William and Harry were just 15 and 12 years old, respectively, and their children never had the chance to know her personally.
Despite this, both princes have been dedicated to preserving Diana’s memory for their families.
Prince William has often emphasized the importance of his children knowing about their grandmother. In a heartfelt gesture, William and Catherine recently took their three children to Diana’s grave at Althorp Estate, the ancestral home of Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, the ninth Earl Spencer. This visit, marking the anniversary of Diana’s passing, is part of a broader effort by the couple to keep Diana’s memory alive for their children.
Princess Catherine has been particularly proactive in ensuring her children are aware of their grandmother’s legacy. Every year, as the anniversary of Diana’s death approaches, Catherine shares stories and memories about Diana with George, Charlotte, and Louis. Additionally, the family has a touching tradition of creating handmade cards to honor Diana, complete with drawings and personal messages. These annual cards allow the children to express their love and admiration for their grandmother, despite never having met her.
Diana’s final resting place is located on an island in an ornamental lake at Althorp Estate, accessible only by boat. The site is surrounded by 36 oak trees, each symbolizing a year of Diana’s life. Although the burial site is closed to the public, it remains open to members of the royal family who wish to pay their respects.
In the years following Diana’s death, there have been various publicized tensions regarding the royal family’s engagement with her memory. In 2001, Diana’s brother criticized then-Prince Charles for not visiting her grave, though the palace has maintained that such visits are personal matters. The spokesperson declined to confirm or deny whether Charles has visited since then, citing privacy concerns.
Amidst these reflections on Diana, Prince Harry’s recent visit to the UK has reignited discussions about his strained relationship with his family. Harry chose to stay with his uncle, Charles Spencer, at Althorp during a brief trip to the UK, reflecting his close ties with Diana’s side of the family. His visit coincided with a memorial service for Lord Robert Fellowes, Diana’s brother-in-law, held near the Royal Sandringham estate.
The memorial service marked a rare public appearance of both royal brothers together. However, while their joint presence was noted, reports suggest that any potential for reconciliation was overshadowed by continuing tensions. The brothers were seen seated at the back of the church, keeping their distance and reportedly not engaging with each other. Sources indicate that while their presence was a step towards acknowledging family ties, a full rekindling of their once-close bond remains elusive.
In the midst of these personal and public challenges, the royal family continues to navigate complex emotions and relationships. The ongoing efforts by Prince William and Princess Catherine to honor Diana’s memory serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Princess Diana on her family and the broader public.