Next year will mark 30 years since Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car crash in Paris. Questions have been raised as to how the milestone will be marked. Should the Royal Family publicly mark the moment, perhaps by attending a memorial service or speaking publicly about her?
William Plans Private Tribute
Queen Elizabeth’s former press secretary Dickie Arbiter believes the anniversary should pass without fanfare. “We should let her rest in peace,” he told the Daily Express.
And this view appears to be shared by Diana’s eldest, the now-Prince of Wales, who said after the brothers featured in two films to mark the 20th anniversary of her death in 2018 that “we won’t be doing this again”.
At the moment, William plans to mark the 30th anniversary privately with his family, though that may change next year. However, one thing is certain: he will not contribute to a documentary.
Harry Expected to Make Documentary
This is in direct contrast to his estranged brother, Prince Harry, who is intent on marking their mother’s death with another documentary. What shape this takes is as yet unknown; Diana’s sisters, old friends and Palace aides could contribute, or it could be a standalone tribute by her youngest son.
If Harry does go ahead with plans to make the film, which is likely to air on Netflix given the Sussexes' first-look deal with the streaming giant, it’s likely to worsen relations with his brother.
The siblings, who have not spoken since their grandmother died some four years ago, remain worlds apart. William is focused on his wife, children, his role as heir and supporting his father. His brother, who he still believes chose to abandon not only his duty but his family, is of no concern to him.
Gulf Between the Brothers
But if he chooses to profit from their mother’s legacy (though he may well decide to donate the documentary proceeds to the Diana Award), he goes against William’s vow that the pair “won’t speak as openly about her again”. It also further highlights the gulf between the two brothers.
What will become clear next year is how differently William and Harry grieve their mother. They both miss their mother every day, but the eldest has come to terms with it and chooses instead to focus on the future - and remembering her in private. Harry, however, continues to mourn her in public and refuses to put it behind him.
As Mr Arbiter said: “Harry is weaponising his mother. Everything he does, he does in his mother's name… He's got to get on with his life. William has, and William's doing a great job.”
Grief affects people differently and all families disagree about how best to mark a beloved family member’s passing. But perhaps it would be best if both siblings mark the day privately to avoid comparisons and the day from becoming overshadowed by their rift.
