Prince Harry to lead key event to mark Diana milestone – but William unlikely to join

Prince Harry will be preparing to lead an event in honour of his late mother, the Princess of Wales, through the Diana Award charity when he visits New York in September.

This year the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary and the organisation was initially set up to “foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people”. The charity also firmly holds the same belief of the late Princess Diana – ensuring the belief “young people have the power to change the world”. The Diana Award CEO, Dr Tessy Ojo wrote on social media platform X: “In our 25th year, The Diana Award is delighted to be leading an event with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex in New York this September. The event will be driven by young people and their insights on the biggest issues facing their generation today.”

Prince Harry, 39, and Prince William, 42, both paid tribute to their mother in March this year, at the Diana Legacy Awards held at the Science Museum in London, another event to mark the important milestone, – but the two narrowly avoided each other on the day. The brother’s appearances at the Diana Legacy Awards earlier this year, sparked rumours of tensions between the pair, as they both avoided direct contact.

William attended the event at the Science Museum in London on March 14 in person, giving a speech to congratulate the award winners. In his touching speech, he said his mother taught him that “everyone has the potential to give something back”. Diana’s eldest son explained: “This evening’s Legacy Award is particularly special as it marks the 25th anniversary year of The Diana Award, a charity set up to reflect my mother’s belief that young people can change the world.”

However, the Duke of Sussex addressed those in the audience after William left via a live video from his home in California fuelling further speculation of a rift between the two. Harry said via the call: “So much of the future depends on you guys, and you know that”, before he addressed the importance of the winners’ work, albeit small or large.” The Diana Awards was set up two years after the royal’s shock death to honour young people who have improved the lives of others, and in previous years both princes have attended the awards evening together.

Express.co.uk has exclusively revealed the Prince of Wales is not due to attend the Earthshot Innovation Summit scheduled to take place at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan on September 24 and there will be no change to his plans following the announcement that his brother, Prince Harry, is due in the city at the same time.

The news comes amid incorrect reports that Prince William was due to host the summit while Prince Harry will be in New York at the same time for a packed solo trip next month. Prince Harry will be flying to the Big Apple alone for a slew of events coinciding with Climate Week in September and to check in on a few of his patronage organisations – including a connection to his late mother, Princess Diana of Wales.