Princes William and Harry Put Their Differences Aside to Honor Their Late Friend
A beautiful gesture.
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.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"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."
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 British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. 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.
-
I Tried Biologique Recherche's Two-Hour Scalp Detox Treatment
Is the French-girl favorite worth the hype?
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Maternity Style Era Is Off to a Must-Shop Start
She knows what she likes—and how to wear it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finale Teased A Game-Changing Cliffhanger—Will There Be a Season 4?
We're on the case of whether or not Mickey Haller and co. are coming back to Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
During His Royal Tour in Australia, King Charles Reveals One Way He Won't Be Following in Prince Harry's Footsteps
"If I was a younger man."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Lady Kitty Spencer Reveals How Her Cousin Prince William "Inspires" Her
"His efforts have made a significant impact."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Purchased Portugal Home to Stay "Connected" to the Royals
A royal expert called the move "extremely significant."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Is Reportedly in a "Precarious Position" Between Prince Harry and King Charles
"Eugenie is in a difficult spot."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Is Preparing for a Halloween Break With Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales is spending some quality time with her kids this spooky season.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Originally Bonded Over Their "Naughty" Sense of Humor
"They've certainly cleaned up their act for the children's sake, but they can still make each other double over laughing."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Reveals Kate Middleton's Surprising Favorite Dessert
Count us in!
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Tells a Fan That He and Princess Kate Don't Sleep Alone
So cuddly.
By Kristin Contino Published