Prince William, Princess Diana.Photo: Andrew O’Brien - Pool/Getty Images; Georges De Keerle/Getty Images
The Duke of Cambridge has written a foreword to the new “Future Forward” five-year planThe Diana Award charityis launching timed to International Day of Youth on Thursday, August 12.
“Organisations like The Diana Award have never been more important in nurturing the talent of young people and working with them to change the world for the better,” wrote William, 39. “Future Forward sets out The Diana Award’s blueprint for how change can be achieved, with young people at its heart.”
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
The Diana Award holds a special place in the hearts of William and his brother,Prince Harry.
In fact, the Duke of Sussex made a surprise appearance at the most recentDiana Awards ceremonyin London just a few days before the brothers' July 1 reunion tounveil a statuededicated to their mother — who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 — on what would have been the princess’s 60th birthday.
“I’m truly honored to be celebrating your work, your commitment to change making and the vital role that you’ve taken on representing a new generation of humanitarianism,” said Harry, 36, in a video address on June 28. He added that his mother “would be so proud of you all for living authentic life with purpose and with compassion for others.”
He continued, “Our mum believed that young people have the power to change the world. She believed in your strength because she saw it day in and day out and in the faces of young people exactly like you, she witnessed a boundless enthusiasm and passion.”
He added of wifeMeghan Markle: “Meg and I fundamentally believe that our world is at the cusp of change, real change for the good of all.”
source: people.com
