For decades, Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, has remained a reserved figure within the British royal family, choosing silence over the spotlight. Yet, in a rare moment of reflection in August 2025, the Duke of Edinburgh shared heartfelt thoughts about his late sister-in-law, Princess Diana, revealing the profound impact she had on him and the monarchy. His words, delivered with quiet sincerity, stirred deep emotions within Buckingham Palace, reminding the world of Diana’s enduring legacy and the lessons she left behind.
A Bond Forged in Compassion Prince Edward and Princess Diana were not often seen together publicly, their paths crossing quietly at royal events. Yet, behind the grandeur of palace life, Edward admired Diana’s warmth and authenticity. Unlike the rigid formality that defined much of the royal family, Diana brought a human touch—hugging children, championing charities, and speaking openly about her struggles. Edward, known for his reserved nature, respected her courage to defy tradition and connect with people on a personal level.
In the early 1980s, when Diana joined the royal family as Prince Charles’s bride, Edward was a young prince, just 17, navigating his own place in the monarchy. He observed Diana’s struggles to adapt to the palace’s strict protocols, her vibrant spirit clashing with its cold traditions. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Edward appreciated Diana’s ability to bring “a breath of fresh air” to the monarchy, a sentiment echoed in his rare public comments over the years. He saw her as a trailblazer who made the royal family more relatable, even as her openness unsettled the establishment.
Witnessing Diana’s Struggles As Diana’s marriage to Charles faced challenges, Edward remained a quiet observer. The 1980s and early 1990s were tumultuous, with media scrutiny intensifying as Diana’s star power grew. Her landmark moments—such as shaking hands with AIDS patients in 1987 or advocating for landmine victims—captivated the world but caused tension within the palace, where tradition often trumped emotion. Edward, who pursued a career in the arts rather than the military like his brothers, understood Diana’s desire to break free from royal constraints.
