Prince Harry reveals family tradition honoring Princess Diana on birthday and death anniversary
LONDON, ENGLAND: Prince Harry has revealed the heartfelt tradition he, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, follow to remember Princess Diana on her birthday and death anniversary.
Speaking during a visit to 'Scotty's Summer Festival' in the UK, the Duke of Sussex reflected on family traditions, grief, and the people who help him through difficult days while continuing his long-standing support for bereaved military children.
Prince Harry remembers Diana through family tradition
The Duke of Sussex attended the summer festival at Maxstoke Castle on Saturday, July 11, marking his final public outing during his current trip to the UK.
During a Q&A session with around 200 children and their families, he was asked by 16-year-old Sebastian whether he does anything special to mark the anniversary of Princess Diana's death on August 31 or her birthday on July 1.
"Yes, we do lemon drizzle cake," Harry replied, explaining that making the cake in honor of his mother has become an important family tradition. "I think traditions are really, really important," he said, adding, "Especially when they're sweet."
Sebastian's father, Rev John Hill, served in the Royal Navy and died in June 2010. Prince Harry serves as Global Ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers, a British charity supporting bereaved military children.
The cause remains deeply personal for the former British Army captain, whose mother died when he was 12 after suffering fatal injuries in a car crash in Paris in 1997 at the age of 36.
Prince Harry has continued speaking publicly about grief over the years. During the InterEdge Summit at Melbourne Park in April, where he delivered a keynote address on workplace mental health, he said, "In my experience, loss is disorienting at any age."
"Grief does not disappear because we ignore it. Experiencing that as a kid while in a goldfish bowl under constant surveillance, yes, that will have its challenges. And without purpose, it can break you," he said.
He further added that there had been "many times" when he felt "overwhelmed," "lost," "betrayed" and "completely powerless," while still feeling he had to pretend everything was okay. "For many years I was numb to it, and perhaps that was easier then, but I also didn't yet have the tools to deal with it."
Prince Harry opens up about coping with grief
The visit also included an emotional exchange with 9-year-old Poppy, whose father, Able Seaman Daniel Turnbull, died from leukemia in July 2020. When she asked what makes him laugh after a difficult day, Prince Harry patted his heart and replied, "That got me right there."
"You know what, sometimes it's just a difficult day. It's not always possible to laugh," he said, adding that his dog and his children make him laugh and that he sometimes watches something funny on television.
Harry also encouraged the children by reminding them that they have siblings, friends, and the Scotty's community to lean on, saying, "A laugh at the end of a hard day is the best medicine served."
The appearance came after Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House on July 10, marking the first time his wife and children had seen the royal couple in person in four years.
The Sussexes changed their travel plans following discussions with the palace over security arrangements before Harry continued with his planned itinerary alone. It is also thought the family may visit Althorp House, where Princess Diana is buried.
