How Princess Diana Inspired William To Take On This Important Cause

Prince William and Prince Harry have spent years paying tribute to their mother, Princess Diana, in a myriad of ways following her untimely passing at the age of just 36. As E! News noted, the Princess of Wales, also commonly known as the "People's Princess" as she was so beloved by the British public, died following a car crash in 1997. She was fleeing paparazzi in Paris, France at the time. On July 1, 2021, Diana's sons celebrated what would've been her 60th birthday with the unveiling of a statue in her honor, which was placed in one of her favorite spots at Kensington Palace. 

Elsewhere, William and Harry have frequently shared anecdotes and sweet memories about their mother, including in documentary "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy." As William acknowledged, "She set us up really well. She gave us the right tools and had prepared us well for life in the best way she could not obviously knowing what was going to happen." This extends, in particular, to the Princess of Wales's extensive charity work, which the boys have enthusiastically carried on. From AIDS research to homelessness, they're intent on carrying on Diana's impressive legacy. 

As People reported in late September 2021, Prince William visited London-based organization, The Passage, to attend an awards ceremony and reception, during which the royal chatted with volunteers and staff members about the important work they're doing battling homelessness in the community. William also spoke to some of those whom the charity has helped over the years. The Passage was founded in 1980, and it was a favorite charity of the late Princess Diana. Homelessness was one of the humanitarian's key causes, and William shares his mother's passion for ending it. Diana even took him and brother, Prince Harry, to visit The Passage when they were young. Nowadays, William is a patron of both that charity and similar organization, Centrepoint.

The Duke of Cambridge took to his official shared Twitter account, with wife Kate Middleton, to celebrate 40 years of The Passage's "life-changing work," gushing, "Every time I come here, I am touched by the warmth and friendliness, and the dignity and respect you show to everyone who comes through your door." William also shared side-by-side shots of Diana in the facility and himself there years later. This is the first time the royal has visited the organization since last Christmas, due to restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization tweeted to share that he'd made a surprise appearance at the time. As William's office noted, the pandemic has only increased the need for The Passage's life-saving services in the community.