Prince Harry Spent the Morning Honoring The Diana Award's "Army of Activists" at His First New York City Stop
"Your activism and passion, those two things are so true to how my mum led her life and what she believed in."
Prince Harry kicked off his solo trip to NYC on Sept. 23 by keeping his late mother, Princess Diana, close to his heart. The Duke of Sussex joined Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, at the Concordia Global Summit for a session titled "The Global Mental Health Crisis Among Young People"—and he praised the next generation for giving him "hope."
The Diana Award, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was created to recognize young leaders who embody the spirit of Diana, Princess of Wales.
"I know my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys," Prince Harry said, speaking to two recipients of the charity's Legacy Award, Christina Williams of Jamaica and Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang from Indonesia.
"Your activism and passion, those two things are so true to how my mum led her life and what she believed in," he added during the panel discussion.
The two young women joined the duke to discuss the biggest problems impacting young people today, citing issues such as climate change and "peace and security" as some of the things they worry about the most.
"Scared children cannot dream," Williams told the Duke of Sussex.
Prince Harry—who praised the "army of activists" The Diana Award has worked with over the years—asked the women if they felt they were "being heard" by global leaders, wondering why young change makers aren't being brought "into decision making" or "policy making situations."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
He also praised young people for their energy and commitment to making change.
"I've said it years ago and I'll say it again. The younger generation are—not putting too much pressure on you guys—you are what give me hope," the duke said, adding, "The courage that you have gives me hope."
He ended the session by thanking the Legacy Award winners for giving hope to himself "and probably a whole lot of people in this room."
"And now we need to listen — constantly listen — and then act on the advice and the vision that you have, because otherwise it's your future that's being stolen from you, and that is unacceptable," Harry ended his remarks.
The Duke of Sussex and his brother, Prince William, have both supported The Diana Award through the years, with Prince William giving a speech at the charity's anniversary event in March and Harry calling in from his home in California.
The Duke of Sussex will continue his first day in NYC by honoring another organization with ties to his late mother. He'll speak at a reception for The Halo Trust, the landmine clearance charity Princess Diana famously supported shortly before her 1997 death.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.”
-
How Boho Can J.Lo Go?
The singer embraced her '70s side with a suede fringe bag and cozy sweater.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
'Emily in Paris' Star Lily Collins Couldn't Get into the 'Vanderpump Rules' Sandwich Shop
"I needed a sandwich and I couldn't get my sandwich!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate's Brother James Middleton Says His Dog, Ella, Saved His Life
"I think there is an undeniable amount of things that dogs can do for us."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Sorry, But a Prince Harry and King Charles Meeting This Month Is "Highly Unlikely," Claims Source
Harry will be in the U.K. in late September.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Wants "More Fulfilling Roles for Himself" as He Makes Series of Solo Appearances
He's finding his feet away from the Royal Family.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Why Can’t We Stop Talking About Meghan Markle’s Emails?
A new story is calling into question an old allegation about the Duchess of Sussex's behavior. But it's time to move on.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Mohamed Al-Fayed, Whose Son Was Killed Alongside Princess Diana, Is Back in the News
The late Harrods owner's shocking past has come to light in a new BBC documentary.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles Has "Left the Door Open" for Prince Harry With Strategic Move, Royal Expert Claims
Could they meet when Harry goes back to the U.K.?
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
How a "Liberated" Princess Diana Shocked John Galliano By Secretly Altering Her 1996 Met Gala Dress
The designer revealed the story in the Hulu documentary 'In Vogue: The 90s.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Is Set to Return to the U.K. in Under 2 Weeks
We can likely expect a short trip.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meghan Markle Wasn't Cropped Out of Prince Harry's 40th Birthday Post by the Royal Family
Royal sources refuted allegations of a Buckingham Palace snub.
By Amy Mackelden Published