Prince William and Prince Harry may remain estranged, but there is still one important cause connecting the brothers, and it leads directly back to their late mother, Princess Diana.
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex are both closely associated with The Diana Award, the charity established in memory of the late Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.
© Getty ImagesWhile William and Harry once appeared together in support of the organization, their involvement has increasingly taken place separately amid their long-running rift. Now, a new report suggests the charity could be one of the last remaining channels connecting the brothers and their respective teams.
Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths described The Diana Award as potentially one of William and Harry's "last forms of communication" during a recent appearance on the Daily Mail's Palace Confidential podcast.
© Comic ReliefAccording to Griffiths, the organization has had to navigate the difficult reality of maintaining relationships with both brothers despite the breakdown in their personal relationship.
The dynamic recently came under renewed scrutiny following reports that a high-profile black-tie fundraising dinner connected to The Diana Award had been planned for September 18, with Harry expected to participate. The event was subsequently canceled, with no official explanation for the decision reported.
© Getty ImagesGriffiths claimed there had been some "wrangling behind the scenes" and suggested questions had arisen over whether Harry wanted Meghan Markle to accompany him. However, no official source has confirmed that Meghan's potential attendance was connected to the cancellation.
The situation illustrates the unusual position occupied by The Diana Award. Both princes remain committed to preserving their mother's legacy, even as they have largely pursued that mission separately.
© WPA PoolWilliam participated in an event with the organization earlier this year, while Harry has also continued supporting its work. In recent years, the brothers have avoided appearing together at Diana Award engagements, sometimes contributing separately to the same events.
A bond through Princess Diana:
The Diana Award was established in 1999, two years after Diana's death, and recognizes young people making an impact through humanitarian and social action.
© Tim GrahamDiana died in Paris in August 1997, when William was 15 and Harry was 12. Her legacy has remained one of the most visible connections between her sons throughout adulthood, even during periods when their relationship has been deeply strained.
William and Harry previously joined forces on several projects connected to their mother, including the unveiling of her statue at Kensington Palace in July 2021.
© Tim GrahamTheir relationship, however, deteriorated publicly in the years surrounding Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties and subsequent move to North America. The brothers are not known to have held a public engagement together since Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.
Harry's return puts the relationship back in focus:
The latest reports come at an especially significant moment. Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in late August after six years primarily based in California.
© Getty ImagesTheir children are expected to attend school in the U.K., although the family's precise living and schooling arrangements are being kept private. The move does not represent a return to royal duties.
King Charles recently reaffirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain non-working members of the Royal Family and that their charitable and commercial activities are carried out in a private capacity.
© PoolHarry has, however, reportedly been in contact with his father since returning to Britain. People reported that the King and his younger son spoke by phone following Harry's arrival, although there has been no indication of a similar breakthrough between Harry and William.
Against that backdrop, The Diana Award stands out as a rare point of continuity between the brothers. Whatever happens to their personal relationship, their mother's legacy remains something neither has walked away from.
© Anwar HusseinThe organization, meanwhile, is moving ahead with its work. The 2026 Diana Award virtual ceremony is scheduled for November 4 and will celebrate 200 young people from around the world for their contributions to social action.
Nearly three decades after Diana's death, the organization carrying her name continues to bring together young changemakers around the world, while also maintaining one of the few remaining ties between her two sons.
