King Charles’ sons honour their late mother’s influence despite deepening estrangement
Prince William and the Duke of Sussex may no longer be on speaking terms, but both remain deeply influenced by the same figure: their late mother, Princess Diana.
Despite their personal fallout, the brothers have been upholding Diana’s legacy through their individual charitable efforts, each interpreting her ideals in their own way.
Royal commentator Edward White reflected on the painful distance between them, suggesting Diana would be “horrified” to witness her sons so divided. In his book Dianaworld, White writes, “Her sons are arguing about what their mother’s true legacy is. Diana said she was trying to raise a future king who would ensure the monarchy survived into the 21st century — and William is trying to do a Diana reboot of the monarchy, combining the best of his mother and his grandmother.”
Conversely, some admirers of the late Princess argue that the Duke of Sussex embodies her spirit more faithfully, viewing him as the “real defender of her true legacy.”
White noted the public’s contrasting perceptions of Diana often extend to her sons. “There’s something about Diana that encourages people to read whatever they want to read into her,” he said.
Ultimately, White believes Diana would have wanted both of her sons to come together, sit in the same room, and find a way to reconcile.
