Prince Harry has opened up about the persistent influence of his late mother, Princess Diana, during a recent interview with GQ. Speaking candidly, the 42-year-old Duke of Sussex reflected on his enduring grief over her death, which occurred when he was just 12 years old. In a poignant discussion, he revealed that he thinks about Diana “almost every day”, expressing the deep sense of loss and the questions he has about how life might have unfolded differently had she still been alive.
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During the interview, Harry recounted the final conversation he had with his mother just hours before her tragic death in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997. Diana had called Harry and his brother, Prince William, while they were staying at Balmoral Castle, but the phone call was brief, as the young princes were eager to return to playing with their cousins. Harry mused on the regret he feels regarding that last exchange: “If I’d known it was the last call with her, how different that conversation would’ve been,” he shared, reflecting on the innocence of childhood that made him prioritise play over their conversation.
Harry’s sentiment speaks volumes about the complexities of grief, particularly for those who experience significant loss at a young age. In the GQ interview, he articulated how his thoughts frequently drift towards his mother, pondering the impact she would have had on his life and family dynamics had she been present. “Wow, miss you. Wonder what the world would be like if you were still here,” he articulated, capturing the essence of familial longing.
Despite the passage of nearly three decades since Diana’s untimely passing, Harry believes he maintains a connection with her. He recalls moments when he feels her presence and even reports experiencing conversations with her in his mind, searching for guidance and comfort. “Maybe I’ve spent too much time in California,” he jested, acknowledging the introspective nature of his reflections and the growth he has undergone since moving to the United States.
Harry also highlighted the pivotal moment that became apparent after the birth of his son, Prince Archie, whom he shares with Meghan Markle. He noticed how his own emotional state would directly affect Archie, revealing the sensitivity that young children have towards their parents’ feelings. “If I was still stressed, he would feel it immediately,” Harry noted, stressing the importance of emotional awareness for parents. He took to utilising the drive home from London as an opportunity to calm himself before reuniting with his son, demonstrating a proactive approach to emotional management.
The Duke’s journey to understanding and processing his grief has been shaped significantly by his experiences in therapy. After years of suppressing his emotions, he has come to see therapy as a vital tool for unlocking his feelings and permitting himself to grieve. “I continually get told by everybody from 90-year-olds down to nine-year-olds that the sharing part of my experience has helped them,” he remarked, underlining his commitment to using his story as a source of healing for others.
Harry’s recent discussions coincide with the release of his new MasterClass, in collaboration with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, titled “Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss”. The course aims to explore and redefine the concept of grief, providing insights into resilience in the face of loss. In undertaking these initiatives, Harry hopes to create a dialogue around grief that fosters healing and support for individuals grappling with similar experiences.
In a world where the legacy of public figures transcends their lifetimes, Princess Diana continues to be a figure of profound influence, particularly for her sons. Harry’s reflections on his mother serve not only as a tribute to her memory but also a testament to the universal nature of grief. By sharing his story, he seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of loss and personal resilience, offering solace to those navigating their own journeys through grief.
The legacy of Princess Diana is undeniably entwined with her sons’ lives, and as Prince Harry continues to honour her memory, he invites others to confront their own experiences of loss, fostering a community that celebrates both the pain and the beauty of remembering those who have shaped our lives.