Princess Diana’s Concerns for Her Sons

Princess Diana was worried about how Prince Harry would find his place in the royal family. She feared he would struggle under the shadow of his older brother Prince William, the future king. This concern is highlighted in a new documentary Diana Unheard, which features recordings from secret conversations Diana had in 1991 with her friend Dr. James Colthurst.

The documentary includes Diana speaking openly about William, Harry, the line of succession, and her difficult marriage to then-Prince Charles. According to royal expert Christopher Andersen, these recordings may show Diana’s long-standing concerns about her sons’ different paths.

Andersen noted that Diana worried that Harry might wilt in William’s shadow. Even as a child, William was sensitive to this concern and tried to protect Harry’s feelings. Before Diana’s death in 1997, William expressed fear that a planned photo shoot at Eton College might make Harry feel neglected.

“Diana worried from the beginning that Harry might wither in the shadow of his brother the future king,” Andersen stated.

Diana was confident in William’s future role as king but was apprehensive about how the royal dynamic would affect Harry. William, described by Diana as wise and mature beyond his years, was expected to succeed without issue. In contrast, Harry’s charm masked deeper insecurities about his role.

Despite Diana’s concerns, Andersen explained that she believed in the brothers’ strong bond. She saw their relationship as unbreakable and never anticipated their estrangement. Kinsey Schofield, another royal expert, agreed but suggested Diana worried more about William’s future burdens than Harry’s supporting role.

Schofield suggested Diana wanted her sons to stay close due to their differing roles. William was groomed to be king and was advised by Diana on finding a supportive partner. Harry had more freedom to pursue interests and build a life, though he was once favored by the public.

The strain between William and Harry reportedly began in 2018. Public acknowledgment came in 2019, with Harry admitting their paths were different. The divide grew after Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, followed by revealing interviews and a memoir.

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich advised caution against viewing Diana’s concerns through today’s lens. While Diana challenged royal norms, she remained committed to her royal duties and would likely not have supported Harry’s departure from these responsibilities.

Andersen and Schofield suggested that although Diana had a rebellious side, she valued duty and history. Diana viewed Harry’s role within the monarchy as significant, even if he wouldn’t be king. Her priority was the happiness and closeness of her sons.

Schofield concluded that despite the recordings, Diana’s legacy is shared by her sons. Her focus was on them growing into compassionate men aware of their responsibilities.