William and Harry to attend awards ceremony in memory of Lady Diana
Written by News on 18/05/2017
Prince William and Prince Harry will attend an award ceremony later celebrating young people who are continuing the legacy of their late mother Princess Diana.
The Princes will join the event, set up by The Diana Award at St James’s Palace, and will present twenty young people from across the world with the inaugural Legacy Award.
This is the first time the awards have been handed out by The Diana Award, which was set up in memory of Princess Diana, to recognise her belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.
The legacy awards have been given to twenty 11- to 18-years old to mark the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death.
The recipients were chosen for their contribution to society, their courage and bravery, and include an HIV campaigner, young people who are carers, fundraisers, and an anti-bullying ambassador among others.
Femi Owolade-Coombes is 11-years-old and had never heard of Princess Diana until he found out he was getting a Legacy award.
Since he was diagnosed with Tourette’s, and with the help of his mum Grace, he has set up computer coding and robot workshops to help children like him.
He told Sky News: "Because they come into a Tourette’s and autism friendly environment it means they cannot be overwhelmed when they come in, they can sit down and ultimately enjoy it and it also means I get to feel that I’m helping others not just myself."
Talking about the Diana award he added: "From the award I have learnt so much about her and I feel really honoured to take on that legacy that she has left behind."
His mum Grace said: "I met Diana, she was really kind and down to earth, and a really lovely person to meet.
"It’s going to be a real privilege to add to her legacy, and see it go onto the next generation and inspire a whole new range of young people to do good stuff."
The focus on the charity work carried out by Princess Diana has intensified this year with the 20th anniversary of her death coming up in August, giving charities like the Diana Award an opportunity to make sure her work is not forgotten.
Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive of The Diana Award told Sky News: "We have a whole generation of young people who only know her as a historic figure yet they are committed to continuing her legacy, and so the legacy awards is about celebrating and shining a spotlight on those young people who embody the qualities of kindness, compassion and service to others."
The winners will now have access to a Diana Award programme, giving them support and training to help further their projects including advice on leadership, community development, social entrepreneurship and technology for good.
(c) Sky News 2017: William and Harry to attend awards ceremony in memory of Lady Diana
