Prince Harry and his estranged brother, Prince William, have offered up separate congratulations to the winners of this year’s Diana Award.
The Duke of Sussex’s pre-recorded message played at Thursday’s award ceremony for the charity, which was set up 25 years ago in memory of their late mother, Princess Diana.
In the video recorded in September when he met this year’s recipients at an event in New York, the duke appeared alongside Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, from Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, from Jamaica — both recipients of the award.
Harry — who is currently in New York — praised the “incredible achievements of young people who exemplify the spirit of the Diana Award,” adding that the charity’s mission is to inspire youngsters to make a “positive change.”
“My mother’s belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me,” Harry, 40, said in the clip.
“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.”
The father of two continued, “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.”
“No one is ever a conduit for change alone and the award recipients we’re honoring today are testament to that.”
Separately, Prince William wrote a letter to this year’s recipients, praising them for their “kindness and compassion.”
“My mother… would be immensely proud of you,” the Prince of Wales, 42, penned.
“In this special 25th anniversary year for the Diana Award, it is wonderful to see young people from across the globe being recognized,” the future king wrote, adding that the world can often “feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place.”
“I hope this award helps you to further champion your cause and support those around you. Thank you for your dedication. You are all extraordinary,” he concluded.
Elsewhere, Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the charity, said this year’s recipients are “inspiring change for their generation.”
“This event is special as it marks our 25th anniversary year and our most competitive year yet with record nominations,” she said in a statement.
“This new cohort of Diana Award recipients demonstrate that young people have the power to change the world; a belief also held by Diana, Princess of Wales.”
In March, the feuding brothers made separate addresses at the Diana Legacy Award.
William appeared in person at the ceremony in London, while Harry spoke with the winners afterward via a video link once William had left the premises.
Harry opted not to attend the awards in person just weeks after losing his bid for taxpayer-funded UK security protection for his family.