On Mother’s Day in both 2021 and 2023, William and Kate shared touching letters their children had written to “Granny Diana.” In Charlotte’s card, she wrote, “Papa is missing you.” George added that he thinks of her “always.” These messages, created with colored paper, hearts, and hand-drawn animals, reflected a gentle yet powerful way of honoring a woman they never got to meet — but clearly feel close to.

William also follows in his mother’s footsteps when it comes to parenting philosophy. Diana famously wanted her sons to understand the world beyond palace gates. She took William and Harry to homeless shelters, hospital wards, and charity events. William has said he plans to do the same for his children when the time is right. On car rides, he often speaks with George, Charlotte, and Louis about people living on the streets. “Why are they there?” he’ll ask. “What’s going on?” He believes in starting those conversations early — “at the right stage, in the right dialogue” — so his children can grow up aware of the world outside their privileged lives.

Royal watchers have noted that this commitment to grounded parenting — to raising children who are both compassionate and aware — is one of the clearest ways William honors his mother’s legacy. As royal expert Katie Nicholl has explained, both Diana and Charles had hoped to give their sons a sense of life outside of protocol. William and Kate appear to be carrying that mission forward, gently shaping a new generation of royals who understand both privilege and responsibility.

While Diana may not be here to watch her grandchildren grow up, it’s clear she still plays a role in their lives. In bedtime stories, in hand-drawn cards, and in the values they’re learning from their parents, her influence quietly endures.