William and Harry pay tribute to Diana for still inspiring 'countless acts of compassion and bravery'

Robert Jobson23 May 2017

Prince William and Prince Harry today paid tribute to their late mother for still inspiring "countless acts of compassion and bravery" 20 years after her death.

William spoke out as he presented an inaugural award celebrating Diana's memory, with Prince Harry at his side.

"We can never know what our mother would have gone on to do," the Duke of Cambridge said.

"But in one sense Harry and I feel that our mother lives on in the countless acts of compassion and bravery that she inspires in others," he added.

He made the comments to the 20 young recipients of the Legacy Award, run by the Diana Award, at St James's Palace.

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry present an award to Nikhiya Shamsher 
PA

It was established to promote their mother's belief in the positive power of young people.

"We are so pleased that her name is being put to good use by the Diana Award to recognise young people who are making a mark on the world around them.

"Seated here today are 20 extraordinary young people who are doing just that. We are all too accustomed to stories about young people's lack of connection to their communities and families.

"I see every day in my work, as our mother did in hers, that this just simply is not true – these 20 young people are just the tip of the iceberg. We all need to celebrate what today's generation are achieving.

My turn: Nicholas Nikiforou meets William and Harry
PA

Prince Harry added, "Wow, what incredible stories.

"One of the things our mother taught William and I was the value of doing good when no one is watching.

"She visited hospitals late at night to comfort patients; she spent hours writing letters to privately support the work of others; she achieved a lot by shining a spotlight, but she worked just as hard when the cameras were gone.

"It is this spirit of quiet selflessness that unites these 20 recipients of the Legacy Award.

"We must remember none of the amazing young people you have seen today did what they did for recognition or reward.

Mercy Ngulube was also honoured at the awards ceremony
PA

"They acted for the good of others, not for themselves. I can only applaud a truly incredible group of young people.

"Our mother once said that if we all play our part in making our children feel valued, the result will be tremendous. This result was tremendous.

"Well done to all of you here and all of those who were shortlisted as well, not forgetting many who didn't make it to the last 20. You are inspiring so many of your contemporaries and the communities in which you live. So thank you so much for everything you have done."

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