Fans of the Royal Family might have been excited to hear that both Prince William and Prince Harry - albeit virtually - were set to appear at the same event. The Diana Legacy Awards are to take place on 14 March, Thursday evening at the Science Museum, and both of the late Princess' sons will make appearances in order to honour their mother.
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On paper, this may look like a step towards patching things up between the brothers, whose feud has been very well documented in the press. However, there’s a detail in the planning that shows this is very far from the case. Here’s everything you have to know.
Prince William’s involvement
The Prince of Wales has reduced his engagements since his wife, Princess Kate, had planned abdominal surgery after which she took a complete break to recover. However, he will attend The Diana Award ceremony, which is the only charity to bear the late princess’ name. The awards honour young people between the ages of 9 and 25 who are working to improve the lives of others.
Prince William will attend the 25th anniversary of the charity in person, the Palace has confirmed. After meeting staff and supporters, he is set to join the ceremony, during which he will give a speech and present the awards. Last year, Prince William said he was glad to continue his mother’s belief that ‘when we invest in young people… they can truly change the world’.
Prince Harry to attend virtually
Prince Harry is also set to attend. However, he will be joining from his California home that he shares with wife Meghan Markle and their two children. A spokesperson for The Diana Award said:
The Duke of Sussex will be a key part of our Legacy Award celebration, which takes place over the course of this week.
He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients, virtually, on the evening of the awards to celebrate their accomplishments.
But here’s the important part: Prince Harry will only start his part in the ceremony once Prince William has already left. The brothers’ careful avoidance of each other exposes just how deep the fissures in their once-close relationship have punctured.
The last time the pair were seen in public together was at King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. Prince Harry came back to the UK for a very brief visit after his father’s diagnosis, but reports say that he didn’t see his brother while in the country.
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Sources used:
The Telegraph: Prince William and Harry to reunite virtually to honour Diana, Princess of Wales
Metro: Petty plan for Diana memorial event shows just how split William and Harry are
Express: Prince Harry and Prince William to make surprise joint appearance in hours
