Prince William's 'greatest tribute' to mum Diana

Throughout her life, Diana, 'Princess of Wales' influence was felt all over the world - whether that was through her selfless charity work, her determination to make a difference or her impeccable sense of style.

The late royal was born 63 years ago on 1 July, 1961 and left behind two sons who have made it their life's work to not let their mother's legacy be forgotten as they have backed some of her favourite causes.

As the anniversary of her birthday passes by, a leading royal expert reflects on her personal relationship with the late princess, and how Prince William, in particular, will feel marking the day.

'There have been times in this past year when William has looked incredibly alone, shouldering the responsibility of being a son whose father has cancer, a husband caring for his wife as she also deals with cancer, a father of three young children... and who has no brother or mother to turn to for a bit of TLC,' former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK.

Reflecting on her private meetings with the princess over the years, Jennie adds: "That was the phrase that Diana used so often, especially in our chats together at Kensington Palace. She always said that she was incredibly good at giving tender loving care, and she obviously would have given that in buckets full to her darling son.

'There are other members of the family who have given William all the support they can, but nothing really replaces a loving mother who will protect and guide you.

"William has now lived without his mother for a great deal longer than he had her at his side. He has often spoken about the loss of a parent and how the pain never really goes away. She is always in his thoughts and that will be true more than ever on the anniversary of her birthday.'

In the 2017 ITV documentary 'Diana, Our Mother' William spoke candidly about the tragedy and revealed how it has influenced who he is today. He said: "It’ll either make or break you. And I wouldn’t let it break me, I wanted it to make me. I wanted her to be proud of the person I'd become.

'I didn't want her worried or her legacy to be, you know, that William and/or Harry were completely and utterly devastated by it.' Elsewhere in the interview, William opened up about stepping outside of Kensington Palace to greet the crowds, see the flowers and read the messages left for his mother.

He said, 'People wanted to grab us, to touch us. They were shouting, wailing, literally wailing at us, throwing flowers, and yelling, sobbing, breaking down, people fainted, collapsed. It was a very alien environment.

'I couldn’t understand why everyone wanted to cry as loud as they did and show such emotion as they did when they didn’t really know our mother. I did feel a bit protective at times about that. You didn’t even know her – why and how are you so upset? Now looking back, I have learnt to understand what it was she gave the world and what she gave a lot of people.'

In the years since her passing, it has become clear that William will work hard to ensure his mother's work and memory lives on in his own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

'William’s greatest tribute to his mother is his determination to carry on her legacy, particularly on issues such as homelessness and mental health,' Jennie says. 'And he is bringing his children up with the same values that Diana instilled in him.'

'Diana was always in her absolute element when she was dealing with people in trouble or need. She loved to spend time with anyone who was suffering ill health, and I’m sure she would have devoted herself to helping her daughter in law get stronger and making children feel safe. Luckily, they have another granny who is equally devoted – Kate's own mother, Carole.'

On how William will be feeling as the anniversary passes by once again, Jennie explains, 'The anniversary is obviously always a very sensitive time for William and it is such a shame that he cannot share his feelings with the only other human being on earth who really knows what it was like to lose Diana, his brother, Harry.

'But I’m sure the princess would be immensely proud to see how courageously William has faced up to all that has happened in the past few months.'

Source: OK! Magazine