Prince Harry wrapped up his latest U.K. visit by attending an event for The Diana Award in London on Sept. 11, a charity established in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. He joined young participants showcasing social action initiatives that have positively impacted their mental health.
The appearance came after his visit to Nottingham on Sept. 8 and outings in London, including his first in-person meeting with King Charles in 19 months. Harry has been spending one of his longest periods in the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022, after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle.
At the event, Harry paid tribute to his mother, saying her legacy continues through the empowerment of young people. He encouraged attendees, “Don’t stand still, don’t stay silent — make them hear you because you speak for the majority.” The discussion was led by Dan Lawes, a children’s rights campaigner and trustee for The Diana Award, alongside panelists Lottie Leach, Elsa Arnold, and Idorenyin Hope Akpan.
Reflecting on the young activists’ stories, Harry said, “Getting involved in peaceful social action takes courage and determination. Purpose combined with action can help overcome a sense of hopelessness, and that’s exactly what you’ve shown today. Agency is not a luxury for young people, it is a lifeline.”
The Diana Award is one of the few causes shared by Harry and Prince William, despite their ongoing rift. Both brothers regularly participate in events honoring young people, though Harry attended the event without William and is not expected to meet him during this trip.
The charity’s CEO, Tessy Ojo, noted that The Diana Award continues the princess’s legacy by empowering young people globally and promoting values of duty, empathy, and service. The event marked one year since the launch of The Diana Award’s “Decade of Youth Well-Being,” a program supported by Harry aimed at improving youth mental health worldwide.
Ojo highlighted the urgency of the issue, saying one in five young people has a diagnosable mental health condition, and four in ten feel powerless about their future. She added, “When young people are trusted to lead and take action, their well-being rises, their resilience grows, and hope is restored. Put simply, action heals minds.”
Harry’s appearance followed his Sept. 10 private meeting with King Charles at Clarence House, their first face-to-face since February 2024. He arrived around 5:20 p.m. local time and stayed for about 55 minutes. When asked about his father afterward, Harry replied, “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”
