Prince Harry jokes with Diana Legacy Awards winners after William leaves

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by Nika Shakhnazarova

Prince Harry was in a jovial mood as he spoke to Diana Legacy Award recipients on Thursday night — and after his estranged brother William left the building.

The Duke of Sussex appeared briefly at the ceremony via video call where he spoke to the young winners of the award, which they each received from their estranged brother Prince William earlier in the evening.

“I'm sorry I'm not there,” Harry, 39, said from his home in Montecito, California. “I wish I could be there with you guys.”

The father of two thanked the young winners for “inspiring so many others” and “protecting my mother’s legacy” through their humanitarian work, referring to his beloved mother, the late Princess Diana.

Harry then switched gears and joked with the group, giving them some sound advice before they headed off to celebrate their victories with a night on the town.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening if that's what you plan to do,” he said. “You won't get into too much trouble if you keep going.”

Harry chose not to attend the awards ceremony in person just weeks after losing his bid to gain taxpayer-funded British security protection for his family.

The fugitive royal's quick call came after his estranged brother left the Science Museum in London where he presented awards and gave a speech in tribute to his late mother.

William attended the awards ceremony on Thursday alone, while his wife, Kate Middleton, recovered from surgery and the recent photo scandal that rocked the palace.

The Prince of Wales said: “This evening’s Legacy Award is particularly special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the Diana Award – a charity set up to reflect my mother’s belief that young people can change the world.”

William, 41, said: “I know she would have been honored to see a charity bearing her name doing such inspiring work to uplift young people from all over the world.” You taught me that everyone has the ability to give back; And that every person in need deserves a supportive hand in life.

William said of his wife: “This legacy is something that Catherine and I have sought to focus on through our work, as have the 50,000 young people who have received the Diana Award over the past 25 years.”

William presented a total of 20 awards to recipients at the event.

The feuding brothers have often appeared side by side at previous awards ceremonies.

However, since the Sussexes stepped down as senior working members of the royal family in 2020 and subsequently moved to the US, his involvement with the charity has become separate from his brother's.

Harry and William's refusal to join the forces in person only highlights the ongoing rift between them as they have not seen each other since the coronation of King Charles on May 6, 2023.

It is believed the brothers did not see each other during Harry's whirlwind 24-hour trip to London in February.