During the virtual interaction, Prince Harry expressed his gratitude to the young achievers for their impactful humanitarian work, which he described as inspiring countless others and safeguarding his late mother's legacy. Taking a lighthearted turn, he shared some playful advice with the group, encouraging them to enjoy the remainder of the evening's celebrations responsibly.
Prince Harry's decision to participate remotely came following his recent loss in the bid for taxpayer-funded UK security protection for his family. In contrast, Prince William attended the awards ceremony alone, with his wife Kate Middleton recovering from surgery and the recent palace photo scandal.
Prince William paid tribute to his mother, Princess Diana, in his speech at the event, emphasizing the significance of the Legacy Award, particularly in its 25th anniversary year. He expressed his belief that young people possess the power to effect positive change in the world, a principle his mother held dear. William highlighted the honor his mother would have felt to witness a charity bearing her name making a difference in the lives of young people globally. He and his wife, Catherine, have also dedicated their efforts to carrying forward Diana's legacy through their own work, alongside the 50,000 young individuals who have received a Diana Award over the past 25 years.
The absence of personal interaction between Harry and William at the ceremony further underscores the ongoing rift between the two brothers, who have not seen each other since King Charles' coronation in May 2023. It is believed that they did not have an opportunity to meet during Harry's brief 24-hour trip to London in February.