In a recent episode of the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential podcast, veteran royal journalist Richard Kay shed light on Princess Diana’s thoughts about her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. According to Kay, Diana had envisioned a future in which her younger son might ascend the throne, referring to him affectionately as “Good King Harry.” This name harks back to a more historic era, reflecting Diana’s hopes for her son and the potential she saw in him.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/princess-diana-prince-harry-031126-2-4e0e71ba237a4b7697994bb926adf1db.jpg)
Kay explained that while both boys grew up in the shadow of royal expectations, it was Prince William—now 43—who often appeared aware of his predetermined path. Despite his royal lineage, Kay noted that William was a rather shy individual during his younger years. Diana, in her conversations with Kay, expressed concern that William did not share her ambition for him to take on the top role in the monarchy. “She never really thought that William wanted the ‘top job,’ as she called it,” Kay stated.
Intriguingly, it was Diana’s instinct that guided her to prepare for the possibility of Harry becoming king one day. In this context, Kay remarked, “She had a nickname for Harry: she used to call him ‘Good King Harry’.” This sentiment hints at a maternal instinct to equip Harry to take on royal responsibilities, suggesting that the dynamics of royal succession may have been more fluid in Diana’s mind than they have ultimately turned out to be.
Reflecting on the current state of affairs, Kay commented that the outcome of the brothers’ paths has indeed diverged significantly from Diana’s expectations. He likened the situation to past speculation about Princess Margaret potentially being a more suitable monarch than her sister, Queen Elizabeth II. “I think we got the right one in William as Prince of Wales,” Kay opined, noting that William has matured into his role and is now embracing his responsibilities with confidence.
The ties that William has formed with his wife, Kate Middleton, have further bolstered his position within the royal family. Kay observed that William is approaching his royal duties with a modern perspective. He seems keenly aware of the need for the monarchy to adapt to current societal values. “He recognizes that some aspects of modern monarchy are antediluvian and don’t resonate well with the modern public,” he acknowledged, indicating that William is prepared to initiate significant changes to safeguard the monarchy’s future relevance.
Kay’s professional bond with Princess Diana dates back to his early career, when he began covering her activities and life. Their friendship deepened as she often sought to offer her side of the story in the media landscape of the time, which frequently scrutinized her. The two shared moments beyond the royal spotlight, even enjoying outings to the cinema together—decades before her tragic death in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Looking back on his lengthy tenure in journalism, much of which has involved royal coverage, Kay reflected on his last conversation with Diana, which transpired just a day prior to her passing. The memories of their exchanges resonate with him, offering insight into the complexities of her character and her family relationships.
As the years have progressed, the relationship between William and Harry has encountered significant challenges, leading to a state of estrangement. Their last known reunion occurred in August 2024 at a memorial service for their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, yet reports indicate that on this occasion, the siblings maintained their distance. Observers noted they were seated apart and refrained from interaction throughout the service.
The brothers briefly united in July 2021 to commemorate their mother’s legacy with the unveiling of a statue on what would have been her 60th birthday. They also came together during the funeral events for Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. However, despite being in close proximity during Harry’s visit to the UK for charity work in September 2025, the two remained separated by mere miles.
In summarising the complexities of royal life and personal relationships, Kay’s reflections invite a deeper consideration of what it means to bear the weight of royal duty, especially in light of the expectations placed on the next generations. As the monarchy navigates its future, the legacies of figures like Diana loom large, reminding us that the personal aspirations and trajectories of its members continue to evolve within both public scrutiny and private longing.