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Prince WilliamRussell Cheyne – WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Fans of the late Princess Diana are always noticing the way she lives on through her kids and grandkids. There’s the way her love of dance and her fierce side eye lives on in granddaughter Princess Charlotte, 9. And the way her name lives on as a middle name for both her granddaughters. But beyond the superficial similarities, there’s also the bittersweet way her legacy of service lives on in her offspring.
Prince William recently had a Christmas lunch with members of the Merican Regiment — an infantry unit for the Birtish armed forces – and their families. “From swapping stories to enjoying the holiday cheer, it’s moments like these that showcase the strength and spirit of the regiment’s community. Proud to be the Colonel-in-Chief!” the Prince of Wales captioned a carousel of photos on Instagram. Giving his time and attention to army members and their kids — in what looked to be a “sincere” way — reminded followers of Princess Diana who was affectionately known as The People’s Princess.
“The People’s Prince 😍😍😍,” multiple people said. Another added, “Like mother, like son.”
“Such a wonderful, dedicated man … His mother would be so proud. 💙💙💙👑👑👑,” wrote yet another admirer.
Princess Diana Helping Prince William With A Jigsaw Puzzle At Home In Kensington PalaceTim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Prince William’s estranged brother Prince Harry is also following in his mother’s footsteps. In September, the former senior royal spoke at an event supporting The HALO Trust, an international organization committed to clearing landmines — a cause that was famously close to Princess Diana’s heart. In 1997, the mom of two walked through a minefield in Angola. “The mine is a stealthy killer,” she had said. “Long after conflict is ended, its innocent victims die or are wounded singly, in countries of which we hear little. Their lonely fate is never reported.”
Prince Harry spoke about how not enough has changed since when he first visited Angola in 2019 nor since his mother’s death. “I do know that my mother would have been horrified that anyone’s children or grandchildren would live in a world still infested with mines,” Prince Harry said, per Us Weekly.
“As you know, The HALO Trust work in Angola meant a great deal to my mother carrying on her legacy is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously and I think we all know how much she’d want us to finish this particular job,” the Duke of Sussex continued.
The brothers may have a notoriously strained relationship. But it’s nice to see they are still tied together with a commitment to keeping their mother’s legacy of service and reputation of being for the people alive.
