Prince Harry Paid Emotional Tribute to Princess Diana at Awards After Prince William Went First

Harry, Duke of Sussex, paid tribute to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, via video at Thursday, March 14's Diana Awards. This was only after his estranged brother, Prince William, appeared in person to lament the work of their late mother and congratulate this year's winners.

"The impact that you're having on hundreds, thousands, millions of people, without you guys doing that and without you inspiring other young people to do the same thing because it feels good, because it's the right thing to do, but you also get so much from it, that inspiration is like this ripple effect that goes across the water," the California Duke shared to the crowd.

He added: "I’m sorry I can’t be there, I wish I could be there with you guys. Thank you very much for inspiring so many others and at the same time protecting my mother's legacy, I really appreciate that."

In the run-up to the event, royal correspondent Cameron Walker shared: "The fact they are both willing to take part, albeit virtually, shows they are incredibly committed to honoring the legacy of their late mother. The awards were set up to promote Diana's belief young people have the power to change the world for the better."

He continued: "It's the 25th anniversary of these awards and in times gone by, they would have attended them together. William will be at the Science Museum for the awards tonight where he will deliver a speech and present the awards."

At the ceremony, the Prince of Wales stated: "I'm thoroughly delighted to be here today to recognize the transformational achievements of twenty exceptional young people from across the world. Each and every one of their stories, which you will hear shortly, are testament to their character, passion, and determination to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others."

His Royal Highness continued: "The paths taken by these young people have not always been easy. Many have overcome adversity and prejudice, but they are driven by courage, compassion, and commitment — qualities shared by my mother."

Walker observed: "Harry, on the other hand, will only appear when William has left and only virtually. It is a shame because the whole thing is being overshadowed by whether they are still feuding. The brother's not being together for the ceremony reflects a plummeting relationship."

In what continues to be a surprise to many, neither brother agreed to meet face-to-face with the other at the awards, even though the siblings temporarily buried the hatchet at the 2021 event.

Both were actively feuding with the other in the months right after Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell Oprah interview.

During the presentation, the Duke of Sussex still said: "William and I are recognizing mum's 60th birthday."

Daily Express reported on Harry and William's speeches.