Former Royal Employee Says Prince Harry and Prince William Received "Warnings" From Princess Diana Regarding the "Difficult Path They Were Born to Follow"

The late royal's private secretary advised the brothers to "study Princess Diana's life carefully."

Prince William, Princess Diana, and Prince Harry ride in a sleigh
(Image credit: Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Prince William suffered a devastating loss when their mother, Princess Diana, died in August 1997. Although William and Harry have reportedly become estranged in recent years, their late mom allegedly left them with some invaluable advice, and "important warnings," before her death.

Diana's former private secretary, Patrick Jephson, told People, "If they study Princess Diana's life carefully—and I hope they often do—William, Harry, and their advisors will know that she left them many good examples to follow and also a few important warnings to heed. Public affection and the rich rewards of royalty must be earned with self-sacrifice and service."

Jephson continued, "I'm sure they are grateful that every day she can still guide, comfort, and inspire them along the difficult path they were born to follow."

The Princess Of Wales And Princes William & Harry Attend The Vj Day 50Th Anniversary Celebrations In London. . (Photo by Antony Jones/Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images)

"I'm sure they are grateful that every day she can still guide, comfort, and inspire them."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As for whether or not William and Harry will ever mend their relationship, multiple royal experts weighed in. Royal author Robert Lacey told People, "The rift is very profound and very long-lasting. It will not be changed, in my opinion, until Harry makes a move and apologizes."

Historian Amanda Foreman seemingly concurred, telling the outlet, "Everyone wants it to happen on their terms, but that's what makes it impossible."

LECH, AUSTRIA - MARCH 30: Princess Diana With Prince William And Prince Henry (harry) In Lech, Austria. They Are Sitting In A Carriage With A Blanket Covering Them. Sitting Behind Is Their Nanny Olga Powell. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

"Public affection and the rich rewards of royalty must be earned."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Despite the fact William and Harry are reportedly not talking to one another right now, they are allegedly united in one respect. Historian Foreman suggested that, when it comes to parenting and giving their children "authentic" childhoods, both brothers have inherited something that is "pure Diana." "The values they are instilling and discussing as families may be their best success," Foreman told the outlet. "They are both very good role models as parents."

Amy Mackelden
Weekend Editor

Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.