Harry told young people they could “create positive change” as he hailed the recipients of an award honouring the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.
He said: “We know that our young people face unique challenges to their mental health and wellbeing, increasing social and economic barriers, and a world consumed by disagreement, conflict and anger.
“But we need to listen to you and we need to empower you, because you are our only way out of the mess.”
It came as the Duke of Sussex launched the virtual Diana Award ceremony by telling young “changemakers” their positive actions kept the princess’s voice “alive”.
Harry was not alone, as his brother Prince William also praised the 180 youngsters from around the world.
He dubbed the group the “personification of my mother‘s legacy”.
The Diana Award was set up to promote the princess’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better and the ceremony was held on what would have been her 61st birthday.
The organisation’s three key initiatives are a mentoring programme for young people at risk, a youth-led, anti-bullying ambassadors campaign, and an award scheme – the Diana Award – which recognises young people, aged nine to 25, for their social action or humanitarian work around the world.
Speaking at the start of the awards ceremony, Harry said: “There isn’t a day during the past two and a half decades I haven’t thought about the mark she left not only on me and my brother but on all of our lives.
“I see her legacy in all of you, I see her legacy in a Diana Award community that spans multiple generations.
“I see her legacy every time I meet with families, young people and children from all corners of the world.
“And I see my mum’s legacy when I look at my own children every single day.”
Harry and his wife Meghan brought their children Archie, aged three, and one-year-old Lilibet, to the UK in June when they attended celebrations marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Duke added: “My mother instilled in me, and in all of us, a drive to speak up and fight for a better world and now, as a husband and a parent, my mother’s voice is even stronger in my life.
“All of you have kept her voice alive by showing the world how each small action counts, how kindness is still valued and how our world can be better if we choose to make it so.”
William said in his written tribute to the recipients: “Your stories are remarkable.
“Many of you face huge challenges in the face of difficult times, yet you are tirelessly breaking down barriers to create a better future for us all.
“Thank you for your compassion, bravery and absolute determination.
“You truly are the personification of my mother‘s legacy and I know she would be so proud of you all.”
Prince Harry
HENRY NICHOLLS
Prince William
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Princess Diana
John Stillwell
Meghan Markle with Prince Harry
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