In a letter to the 180 recipients of Diana Award, the Duke of Cambridge says there is 'no better way' to honor his late mother than by celebrating their accomplishments.

• Jul 2, 2022

AceShowbiz - Prince William has praised an "inspirational" group of young people who have won the Diana Award. Marking what would have been Princess Diana's 61st birthday on Friday, July 1, the 40-year-old royal sent a letter to the 180 recipients of the honor, which is given to people aged 9-25 who have worked to improve the lives of others, and told them there is "no better way" to honor his late mother than by celebrating their accomplishments.

"Congratulations on receiving The Diana Award today! You are part of an inspirational generation of young people who are changing the world through your actions, and I hugely admire your efforts," the Duke of Cambridge wrote in his letter. "Your stories are remarkable. Many of you face huge challenges in the face of difficult times, yet you are tirelessly breaking down barriers to create a better future for us all."

"Thank you for your compassion, bravery and absolute determination. You truly are the personification of my mother's legacy and I know she would be so proud of you all," the husband of Catherine Middleton continued. "I believe there's no better way to celebrate her life and work than through recognizing incredible people who dedicate so much time and effort to helping those around them. I hope that you stand proud in the knowledge that you are making a real difference and that you enjoy today's ceremony - you deserve it."

A ceremony honoring the recipients of the Diana Award, which is the only charity to carry the princess' name, will take place virtually on Friday, celebrating 180 winners from 29 countries. Tessy Ojo, the Diana Award chief executive praised the "changemakers" receiving the honor and expressed hope the winners will inspire more young people to follow in their footsteps.

"We warmly congratulate our new Diana Award recipients from the U.K. and across the world who are changemakers for their generation. These young people demonstrate that young people have the power to change the world; a belief also held by Princess Diana," the executive stated. "It is especially poignant as we remember Princess Diana 25 years on. We know by receiving this honor they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own change making journey."