Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Prince William Channels Princess Diana with Heartwarming Gesture

Prince William and Kate Middleton are pictured at a charity dinner supporting East Anglia's Children's Hospices' nook appeal, which was raising funds to build and equip a new children's hospice for families in Norfolk, in 2016

The Scholarly Note

EXCLUSIVE: Prince William Proves He's His Mother's Son - Inside the Heartwarming Ways He Keeps Princess Diana's Legacy Alive

As we delve into the lives of the British Royal Family, it becomes increasingly clear that Prince William is not only carrying on his mother's legacy but also surpassing it in many ways. After losing his beloved mother at a tender age, William has made it his mission to honor her memory by supporting the causes she held closest to her heart.

Author Tina Brown is pictured in 2022

A Mother-Son Bond Like No Other

The Duke of Cambridge has long been known for his down-to-earth approach to royal duties, but recent reports suggest he's taken his empathy and compassion to new heights. Insiders reveal that William has a special affinity for child bereavement charities, which was sparked by his own heartbreaking experience of losing his mother.

It's little wonder that the 38-year-old prince has become patron of Child Bereavement UK, a charity co-founded by Princess Diana herself. His dedication to this cause is evident in every public appearance and charitable endeavor he undertakes. But what sets William apart from other royals is his genuine desire to connect with ordinary people and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

Brown wrote: 'At a charity dinner supporting the hospices at Houghton in 2016, the room was divided into small groups to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who chatted to each guest with synchronised informal expertise'

The Human Touch

Gyles Brandreth, a close friend of the late Duke of Edinburgh, has been effusive in his praise for Prince William, declaring him "the only royal to outclass both Diana and the Duke of Edinburgh." The royal author Tina Brown echoes this sentiment in her book, The Palace Papers, where she writes: "A local charity they diligently support is East Anglia Children's Hospices, where Kate serves as royal patron."

At a charity dinner supporting the hospices at Houghton in 2016, William and his wife Kate made waves for their exceptional people skills. As one guest, Euan Rellie, recalled: "I was struck by how absolutely perfect William and Kate are at making people feel at ease." The couple's natural charm and warmth have earned them a reputation as two of the most relatable members of the royal family.

William and Kate are pictured with guests at the gala dinner at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016

A Gesture of Kindness

In a touching anecdote shared by Tina Brown, Prince William showed his human side in the most remarkable way. When an elderly American donor to East Anglia Children's Hospices was unable to attend a charity dinner due to illness, William took it upon himself to visit her in her room. With a pot of tea and biscuits in hand, he delivered a heartfelt message of appreciation for her support.

The elderly lady was overjoyed by the prince's thoughtful gesture, which Brown describes as "a classic Diana Spencer move." Euan Rellie, who witnessed the moment, observed: "It was a gesture that showed the imagination and empathy of his mother... We all thought, how he learned something from his mum."

William and Kate are greeted by David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley as they attend the gala

A True Partner to His Mother

Royal author Katie Nicholl highlights William's commitment to carrying on his mother's work in her book The Making of a Royal Romance. She writes: "Like their mother, who famously said she didn't want to 'just be a name on a letterhead', neither William nor Harry wants to be figureheads." Instead, they've chosen to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by poverty and homelessness.

William's dedication to serving Diana's charities is evident in his speech as patron of Child Bereavement UK. He poignantly shares: "Never being able to say the word 'Mummy' again in your life sounds like a small thing. However, for many, including me, it is now really just a word - hollow and evoking only memories."

William is pictured walking with a group of homeless young people helped by Centrepoint on a fell walk on July 24, 2009, in Cumbria

A Legacy of Kindness

In a heartwarming display of compassion, William has taken steps to understand and address social issues that affect the most vulnerable members of society. In 2009, he visited a homeless shelter in London on Christmas Eve, sleeping rough on the streets in sub-zero temperatures.

As Vivienne Parry, a longtime friend of Princess Diana, observed: "Diana was always passionate about her work with homeless people, and William is the same. It's amazing when he slept rough on the street, and quite extraordinary that he was able to do that. Diana would have loved it."

The Prince of Wales meets children who have been supported by Child Bereavement UK during a visit to the charity service on February 5, 2025

This willingness to immerse himself in the lives of others has earned Prince William a reputation as one of the most relatable members of the royal family. His commitment to carrying on his mother's legacy is clear in every charitable endeavor, public appearance, and private gesture.

The Scholarly Note brings you this exclusive look into the life of Prince William, highlighting his dedication to Princess Diana's causes and his own compassionate nature. As we continue to follow the British Royal Family, it's evident that William's genuine desire to make a difference will leave an indelible mark on the world.

William talks with a young homeless person at a Centrepoint homeless hostel during his visit to the centre on December 20, 2006 in London, England. His mother Princess Diana was a previous Patron of the charity and is seen here on a visit to meet homeless people

William is pictured during his first visit to a Centrepoint hostel for the homeless in Soho in January 1996