Princes William and Harry support the search for 'exceptional' young people just like their mother to award in honour of Princess Diana's 20th death anniversary 

  • The royal brothers are supporting The Diana Award 
  • Award is legacy to belief that young people have power to change their world
  • The award will be presented to 20 exceptional young people 

By Bianca London for MailOnline

Published: 10:10 EST, 12 January 2017 | Updated: 10:13 EST, 12 January 2017

Since her untimely death in 1997, Princes William and Harry have sought to continue their late mother's legacy.

And as they prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death this August, the royal brothers are supporting The Diana Award – the charity legacy to Princess Diana's belief that young people have the power to change their world.

The charity has today announced a special Legacy Award marking the 20th anniversary of the late Princess's death with the support of both her son.

Princes William and Harry are supporting the search for 'exceptional' young people just like their mother to award in honour of Princess Diana's 20th death anniversary

The award will be presented to 20 exceptional young people - aged between 9-18 - from across the world for their selfless commitment to transforming the lives of others across the world at a special Legacy Ceremony in May 2017. 

These young people will be selected from a poll of nominations by an independent judging panel chaired by Dame Julia Clevedon, Founder of Step Up To Serve.

As well as receiving the Legacy Award, recipients will have access to a unique development programme which will provide them with the opportunity to enhance their skills in four key areas; leadership, community development, social entrepreneurship and technology.

As the search begins for these exceptional young people who embody the late Princess' qualities of compassion, kindness and service, the Diana Award calls out to communities and groups across the world to nominate a young person, who is deserving of such honour. 

Since her untimely death in 1997, Princes William and Harry have sought to continue their late mother's legacy 

On Wednesday, Prince William comforted a young girl who lost a parent and spoke out about his feelings when his mother, Princess Diana, died two decades ago

The deadline for nominations is Friday 17 March 2017. 

Speaking about the award, Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive, Diana Award, said: 'Diana, Princess of Wales is widely remembered for her values of compassion, kindness and service to others, irrespective of their culture, race or background. 

'Twenty years since her death it's heartening to know that her legacy lives on through the lives of thousands of young people across the world. 

'Our theme for this 20th anniversary year is centred on Princess Diana's values of kindness, compassion and service. We know there are truly exceptional young people across the world who deserve to be recognised. We urge the public to nominate them for The Diana Award.'  

On Wednesday, Prince William comforted a young girl who lost a parent and spoke out about his feelings when his mother, Princess Diana, died two decades ago.

During a visit to the charity Child Bereavement UK in London on Wednesday, William was seen speaking quietly to a nine-year-old girl, Aoife, about the loss of her father.

'Do you know what happened to me? You know I lost my mummy when I was very young, too. I was 15 and my brother was 12. So we lost our mummy when we were young as well,' he told her.

The award, which is supported by the brothers, will be presented to 20 exceptional young people - aged between 9-18 - from across the world for their selfless commitment to transforming the lives of others across the world at a special Legacy Ceremony in May 2017

Lorna Ireland, a parent at the event, said William told her 12-year-old son that as a teenager, he was 'very angry and found it very difficult to talk about' Diana's death.

'It was very personal and it was very special,' she said of his comments.

William is a royal patron to the charity, which was also supported by Diana.

This year marks 20 years since Diana died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.

The Diana Award, a charity, will remember her life with events including the launch of an international award for young people.

Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, will host an exhibition at the family's home and a fundraising event later in the year. 

To nominate visit www.diana-award.org.uk

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