Prince Harry in a video message at the 2024 Diana Awards ceremony on Dec. 5, 2024.Photo:The Diana Award/YouTube
The Diana Award/YouTube
Prince Harryis remembering his late motherPrincess Diana’s commitment to young people.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, shared a heartfelt video message during a special ceremony recognizing the latest group of young changemakers celebrated in his mother’s name.
This year,The Diana Awardis honoring 200 young people from 45 countries, with a record-breaking 34 recipients from the U.S. The virtual ceremony took place on December 5.
In a meaningful interaction with Legacy Award recipients Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, from Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, from Jamaica—whom hemet in New York City in September—Harry spoke of his mother’s lasting influence.
“My mother’s belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me. No matter the challenges we face, whether it’s climate change, mental health or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope," he said.
Prince Harry talking in New York on Dec. 4, 2024.Eugene Gologursky/Getty
Eugene Gologursky/Getty
The ceremony waslive-streamed on YouTubestarting at 10 a.m. EST on December 5.
Harry also pointed out the power of working together and how daunting some of the issues facing young people can be. “Sometimes the world’s problems can seem too big for any one person to tackle, but your efforts are a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to contribute to a fairer world,” Harry said.
“No one is ever a conduit for change alone and the award recipients we’re honoring today are testament to that," Harry said, adding that he’s “especially honored to have had the chance to listen to your impressive stories and the positive impact you continue to have on young people’s lives.”
On Dec. 4, the charityreleased a letterfrom Harry’s brotherPrince William, 42, who praised the winners that they have shown “kindness and compassion” as they make unique contributions to their respective communities.
Prince William addressing Diana Award recipients in London in March, 2024.Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty
Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty
Thanking them for their “dedication,” William called them “extraordinary”: “I am so proud of the impact every one of you has had on your communities and beyond," he wrote.
“At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place, and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change. Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve," the Prince of Wales added.
The royal brothers may be estranged, but they have both made a point of contributing to the support for the Diana Award. This year, William wasguest of honor and made the main speechat the Legacy Awards dinner, meeting the 20 recipients in person at a special evening in London earlier this year. Harry, meanwhile, spoke tothem via video link afterwards.
Prince William and Prince Harry (left) when they unveiled the statue to their late mother at Kensington Palace in July 2021.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The charity is coming to the end of its landmark 25thyear anniversary. It was set up in 1999 and is the only non-profit to carry Diana’s name and both her sons take pride in supporting it.
As he introduced some more recipients, Harry summed up their collective achievements. “Our Award recipients this year are advocates for social action projects that focus on sustainable development goals, including: Promoting good health and wellbeing to create healthy lives for everyone.
Working towards creating inclusive and quality education to make lifelong learning opportunities more accessible. Reducing inequalities within communities. And combatting climate change to minimize the impacts for future generations.
Prince William and Prince Harry as they addressed the ceremony in 2023.The 2023 Diana Awards Ceremony/Youtube
The 2023 Diana Awards Ceremony/Youtube
Another of the 34-strong cohort was Titilope Olotu, who founded ‘PERIOD PADÍ,’ to provide pads and education to over 10,000 Nigerian girls. She has raised $12,350 through initiatives like a digital guidebook and has earned recognition from Vice President Kamala Harris. Growing up in Nigeria and the United States, Titilope gained insight into global inequalities, especially in women’s health and her experiences with FGM and menstrual stigma fuelled her passion for change, the charity says.
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Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE, chief executive of the Diana Award, said in a statement that she “warmly” congratulated the new recipients.
source: people.com
