
It's twenty years since Princess Diana passed away, and in a new interview with (opens in new tab)GQ (opens in new tab), Prince William has opened up about life without his mother. In the extremely moving article, the Prince is candid about missing his mom, who died in 1997 when he was still a teenager.
As part of the @heads_together campaign, The Duke of Cambridge has been interviewed on mental health for British GQ: https://t.co/0J4hU5T83D pic.twitter.com/0Hv7HuekhOMay 29, 2017
The interview is firmly focused on breaking down the taboo that surrounds mental illness. As Prince William tells GQ, "People can't access services till they feel less ashamed, so we must tackle the taboo, the stigma, for goodness sake, this is the 21st century." It's so important that he continues to take a stand on behalf of all those affected by mental health issues, particularly as the topic can be so difficult to broach.
William, Kate, George and Charlotte - plus Lupo the family dog. (📸 #normanjeanroy) https://t.co/cyiUjZXTGP pic.twitter.com/XEe9cn0vscMay 29, 2017
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of William's interview, though, is when he's asked about the loss of his mother. He says, "I would like to have had her advice. I would love her to have met Catherine and to have seen the children grow up. It makes me sad that she won't, that they will never know her." Now that Prince William has started his own family, with Kate Middleton, it's unsurprising that he misses his mother greatly, and wishes she was there to meet his children.
The Prince also speaks about how difficult it is to deal with his grief in the public eye. He says, "I am in a better place about it than I have been for a long time, where I can talk about her more openly, talk about her more honestly, and I can remember her better, and publicly talk about her better." On the twentieth anniversary of her death, William is honoring his mother in the best way, with his honesty.
Prince William discusses Diana's death, mental health and Lady Gaga with @campbellclaret in our July issue. https://t.co/cyiUjZXTGP pic.twitter.com/u0tLeBxiGVMay 29, 2017
Prince William's honest discussion of grief makes him even more relatable, as the impossible process is something everyone faces. The fact that a member of the royal family is prepared to open up about such a personal issue is unusual and important, and is what sets Prince William and Kate Middleton apart.
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
-
Sarah Ferguson Hints That Her Home is Haunted by the Queen
There’s a big clue at Royal Lodge that the Queen’s ghost is “passing by.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Future of the Monarchy Could See Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Working as a “Collective”
Heir and spare dynamic, be gone.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
After the Success of ‘Spare,’ Prince Andrew Is Apparently Considering Writing His Own Memoir
It’s being colloquially dubbed “Spare 2.0.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George and Prince Louis Are "Protective" of Mom Kate in Mother's Day Photos, Body Language Expert Says
They have such a sweet relationship.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend the Coronation? What We Know at This Stage
Talk about a cliffhanger.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Once Joked He Might Have Worn "A Comedy Beard and a Hat" to Attend a Concert Incognito
OMG, imagine.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royal Photographer Says Prince George Is "Like William," Prince Louis Is "Like Harry"
Tell me you don't see it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie Is Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Example With Her Official Announcements, Historian Says
They're in a similar-ish position.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan's Coronation Invitation Is a Real "Mess," Royal Commentator Says
Yep, none of this is easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate "Asserted Her Authority" Over Prince William During St. Patrick's Day Appearance, Body Language Expert Says
He laid low to let her shine.
By Iris Goldsztajn