Shannen Findlay
Family & Pets

Prince Harry's moving speech about baby Archie and his beloved mum Princess Diana

Prince Harry has paid tribute to his late mother Princess Diana while speaking at the Diana Award National Youth Mentoring Summit in London on Tuesday.

In a heartfelt speech, the royal talked about wanting to be the best example for his son.

“I'm struck by a few things today, most of which is the power of the invisible role model,” the Duke of Sussex said.

“The person who may be sitting here today that doesn't realise that someone looks up to them, that for that person you inspire them to be kinder, better, greater, more successful, more impactful.

“Perhaps it's the newfound clarity I have as a father knowing that my son will always be watching what I do, mimicking my behaviour, one day maybe even following in my footsteps.

“But it's not just my role as a father that shows me that; it's in the people I see every day that don't realise how inspirational they are to those watching."

The 34-year-old also spoke candidly about wanting to be a role model for his newborn son, just as his mother Diana, Princess of Wales – who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 – was for millions of people around the world.

“My mother, Princess Diana, was a role model to so many, without realising the impact she would have on so many lives,” he expressed.

“You don't have to be a princess or a public figure to be a role model. In fact, it's equally valuable if you're not because it's more relatable.

“Being a role model and mentor can help heal the wounds of your own past and create a better future for someone else.”

The Diana award – which is a part of the only charity in Princess Di’s name – encourages young people to “foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people".

19-year-old Rona Glynn-McDonald received the Diana Award for her work in preserving and sharing First Nation cultures.

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princess diana, prince harry, harry, diana award, family, archie, baby archie