Prince William Says Learning of Princess Diana's Death While in Scotland Is His 'Saddest' Memory

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William, Princess Diana.Photo: Andrew O’Brien - Pool/Getty Images; Georges De Keerle/Getty Images

Prince Williamhas had some of his happiest and saddest memories in Scotland.

While speaking at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland last year during hisroyal tour of Scotland, the Duke of Cambridge opened up about his personal connection to the country.

“Along with listening this week, there is something I do want to tell you. Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy,” he said. “As I grew up, I saw how my grandmother relishes every minute she spends here. And my father is never happier than when walking among the hills.”

“In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest,” added William, noting that he was atBalmoral Castlewhen he learned of his motherPrincess Diana’s death in 1997.

“I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning,” he said. “And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”

Prince William.Andrew O’Brien - Pool/Getty Images

As the speech continued, William went on to focus on some of the happier memories he has of Scotland, including meeting wifeKate Middleton.

“And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland – twenty years ago this year — that I first met Catherine,” he said of his wife of 11 years, whom he met while they were both studying at St. Andrews.“Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart,” he added, noting that their love of Scotland is something they will pass along to their three children. “George,CharlotteandLouisalready know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders”

Diana wasinfamously candid in the 1995 interviewwith Bashir. She opened up about her struggle with bulimia, the breakdown of her marriage toPrince Charles, the pressures of wedding a future monarch and raising young sons. She died less than two years later at 36.

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Prince Harryalso released a powerful statement in response to the inquiry. “Our mother was an incredible woman who dedicated her life to service. She was resilient, brave, and unquestionably honest. The ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life,” he said.

“Our mother lost her life because of this, and nothing has changed. By protecting her legacy, we protect everyone, and uphold the dignity with which she lived her life. Let’s remember who she was and what she stood for,” he said.

“It is clear that the process for securing the interview fell far short of what audiences have a right to expect. We are very sorry for this,” the statement read. “While today’s BBC has significantly better processes and procedures, those that existed at the time should have prevented the interview being secured in this way.““While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC offers that today,” the statement continued.

In astatement on the BBC, Bashir also apologized for mocking up the documents but said he remained “immensely proud” of the interview.

Bashirquit his postas BBC religion editor ahead of the network’s release of the inquiry report.

source: people.com