Sad Tribute: Prince William Admits He Had 'Painful' Grief After Princess Diana's Death -- Read His Touching Words
Oct. 15 2015, Updated 9:52 p.m. ET
See seven touching photos of Prince William and his mother Princess Diana as he reveals for the first time the grief he felt when she died.
Diana – William
Prince William was just 15 years old when Princess Diana, his beloved mother, was killed in a car crash in 1997 and he spoke about his immense loss at the Child Bereavement UK charity event that was near and dear to her on October 15, 2015.
Tim Graham Archive
The future King of England revealed his connection to the charity, saying, "Twenty-one years ago last month, my mother attended the launch of the Child Bereavement Charity. Fifteen years later, I was honored to be invited to become Patron of Child Bereavement UK to continue my mother's commitment to a charity which is very dear to me."
Anwar Hussein Collection
William then spoke about the devastation he felt when his mother was killed in Paris. "What my mother recognized back then – and what I understand now – is that grief is the most painful experience that any child or parent can endure," he said.
Diana William Session
However, much like the Princess Diana, William chose to turn his personal tragedy into a benefit for others: "But my mother was determined to help those in need and she would have been immensely proud – as I am – of all that Child Bereavement UK has achieved these last 21 years."
Diana William Holiday
"CBUK's humanity is simply unparalleled, and it is deeply moving," Prince Charles and Princess Diana's eldest son said according to the UK Mirror.
The Christening Of Princess Charlotte Of Cambridge
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
William and Kate Middleton visited the charity in March 2013 when she was pregnant with Prince George. Princess Diana attended the organization's launch just three months before her death.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George visit Tarongo Zoo
Now a proud papa to little Princess Charlotte, whom he described as "lady-like," and Prince George, who is "lively," William said the organization was more meaningful as a parent. "As a father to two young children myself, I now appreciate it all the more." What do you think about William's tribute to Princess Diana? Sound off in comments below.
