Prince William has marked Mother’s Day by sharing a previously unseen photograph of his late mother, Princess Diana. The image, sourced from the family’s private collection, captures a candid moment from 1984 showing Diana with a two-year-old William.
The photograph was taken in a field of wildflowers at Highgrove, Gloucestershire, which served as the family’s primary residence at the time. In a personal message posted on Instagram, the Prince of Wales expressed that he remembers his mother “today and every day” while extending his thoughts to others missing loved ones.
Princess Diana passed away at the age of 36 following a car crash in 1997. Had she lived, she would have celebrated her 65th birthday on July 1 this year. At the time of her passing, William and his brother Harry were aged 15 and 12, respectively.
Traumatic impact and family memories
Over the years, both brothers have spoken candidly about the profound and traumatic impact of losing their mother at such a young age. This latest tribute continues their practice of keeping her memory public during significant national and personal milestones.
The official social media accounts for the Royal Family also joined the commemorations by sharing a selection of historical photographs. Their message wished a restful Mothering Sunday to mothers everywhere and offered support to those who might be missing their own mothers.
Among the shared images was a black and white photograph from 1953. It depicts the late Queen Elizabeth II sitting on a bench at Balmoral, Scotland, with the King and his sister Anne. The relaxed scene shows the late Queen with her arm around her daughter, while her corgi, Sue, appears in the background.
Archival glimpses into the past
The 1953 photograph notably predates the births of the King’s younger brothers, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Edward. The collection released by the Palace also highlighted other maternal figures within the monarchy.
Included in the tributes were images of the late Queen Elizabeth II with the Queen Mother, as well as a photograph of Camilla with her late mother, Rosalind Shand. These archival releases provide a glimpse into the private and public lives of the royals across multiple generations.
For the Prince of Wales, the release of the Highgrove photograph serves as a quiet reminder of his early childhood before the events of 1997 changed the trajectory of the family. The simple caption, signed with a “W,” reflects the personal nature of the remembrance.
