Why Prince William and Prince Harry's parenting style is the truest tribute to Diana

Prince William and Prince Harry may be worlds apart, but there’s one core value they’re both fiercely passing on to their kids: an authentic, grounded upbringing, a lesson straight from Princess Diana. 

Historian Amanda Foreman tells PEOPLE the brothers’ parenting ethos is “pure Diana,” as both households keep her memory alive with stories, photos and even middle names, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana and Princess Lilibet Diana.

Behind the scenes, the estrangement remains deep. 

Biographers Andrew Morton and Robert Lacey say the feud, exposed by Oprah, Netflix, and Harry’s memoir Spare, won’t shift without a major move from Harry. 

Still, both men mirror Diana’s compassion in their work: William champions homelessness initiatives, while Harry’s longtime focus is supporting young people impacted by HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa, a mission he began with Sentebale in 2006 and vows to continue in new ways.

Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, says she’s seen how deeply the princes feel their mother’s legacy when young people describe her impact: there’s pride, and a shared promise to honour her. 

Royal watchers agree a united front would supercharge that impact, but for now, the brothers’ common ground is clearest at home: raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with the empathy, normalcy and courage Diana modelled.

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