

Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Prince William and Prince Harry have a strained relationship these days, but that doesn't mean they've forgotten about their commitments to friends.
The two princes put their disagreements aside this December to co-sign a letter dedicated to a school friend of theirs who sadly died aged 18 in 2002.
The letter was included in the order of service at the 12th annual Henry van Straubenzee Christmas Carol Concert, which serves to raise funds for the Memorial Fund in the late Henry's honor.
Both princes were friends with Henry, but Harry was in his class at Ludgrove Preparatory School. The two royals became joint patrons for the Fund in 2009, and remain close friends with Henry's brothers Thomas—who is Princess Charlotte's godfather—and Charlie—who is Archie's godfather, Marie Claire previously reported.
"We believe everyone here tonight will agree that what Claire and Alex [van Straubenzee, Henry's parents] have achieved since 2009 is nothing short of extraordinary," the royal brothers wrote (per Hello!).
"As you gather under this roof tonight, the charity is supporting 51 nursery, primary and secondary schools in rural Uganda, where 1,700 projects have been completed and over 35,000 children, each year, are benefitting by receiving education they wouldn't have otherwise had."
William and Harry weren't able to attend the service in person, but it was important for them to pay tribute to Henry. Both Pippa and James Middleton attended, however, as they have done in previous years as well.
"For those of us who knew Henners, we will always miss his mischievous charm and hilarious sense of humor," the two royals continued.
"Henry's legacy will live on through the incredible achievements of what his mum and dad have accomplished over the years.
"As long as funds permit, they will continue to monitor their schools, enduring that the children of south east Uganda receive that vital education, providing the opportunity to escape poverty as they grow up, and hopefully that of their own children in the future.
"Thank you for your continued support in making this possible, and for the everlasting support of the van family who we all love and adore."
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Cody Rigsby Has the Most Relatable Fictional Crush
"I just think he could really like throw you around in the bedroom."
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Paris Fashion Week’s Street Style Is Paying Due Respect to Beauty
Hair clips, nail art, and piercings round out fashion month’s circuit.
By Samantha Holender
-
Ava Phillippe Wears Ethereal White to Stella McCartney’s Paris Fashion Week Show
She added a clutch and snakeskin sandals to complete the look.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
There’s a Way for King Charles to “Bring His Family Back Together Again”—But It Might Cause Controversy
He will have to make a decision relatively soon on the matter.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry "Wants His Old Life Back" and Meghan Markle Is "Frustrated" By It, Commentator Claims
Today in "let's take these comments with a grain of salt."
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry’s Cheeky Wedding Reception Gift to New Sister-in-Law Kate Middleton Was Seriously Risqué
Thankfully, Kate has a sense of humor, or the gag would have flopped entirely.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Made a “Mega Secret” Detour to This European Country After the Invictus Games
The couple are said to have visited a member of the royal family while there.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate Has Had to Find New Royals to "Confide" In After Sussex Departure, Says Expert
She has a lot in common with Duchess Sophie.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Rift: "Happy Families Are Not a Game That Everyone Can Play," Says Expert
Yeesh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Not Having a U.K. Home Base "Isn't Overly Helpful," Source Says
I can see that.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Snapped King Charles' Olive Branch in Half," Says Commentator
Eek.
By Iris Goldsztajn