Prince William has declined all requests to appear in upcoming television documentaries commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, according to reporting by The Sunday Times. Sources close to the Prince of Wales indicate that his refusal stems from a desire to avoid an escalation of his ongoing feud with Prince Harry and to prevent media outlets from pitting the brothers against each other during the milestone.
Prince William Rejects Documentary Offers Over Harry Tensions
As television networks begin preparations for the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death on August 31, 2026, Prince William has turned down every approach from filmmakers, as reported by The Sunday Times. Sources close to the future king revealed that the anniversary brings up heavy, emotional memories of losing his mother at age 15 in 1997. William previously viewed his participation in the 20th-anniversary ITV documentary, “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life And Legacy,” as a final public closing of that chapter. The prince told attendees at Kensington Palace following that project that he and Harry would not speak about her so openly and publicly again. Representatives for Kensington Palace declined to detail how the Prince of Wales will mark the anniversary, stating that they “will not be commenting on the way the Prince of Wales will commemorate this anniversary.”
Contrasting Approaches to the Thirtieth Anniversary
While the Prince of Wales has ruled out on-camera participation, Prince Harry is reportedly pursuing a media project to honor his mother. Harry returned to the United Kingdom and has held discussions with friends and family members of Diana, including her brother, Earl Charles Spencer. Spencer recently published a memoir to avoid serving as a talking head in future television projects about his sister. Meanwhile, public relations remain strained between the brothers. Sources state that William and Harry have not spoken to each other since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Background Context: The 20-Year Precedent
During the production of the ITV documentary “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life And Legacy,” both William and Harry appeared on camera to share personal memories. At the time, participants indicated it was a definitive look at her life and legacy, setting a boundary that the Prince of Wales intends to maintain for the upcoming 30th anniversary.
Relocation and School Changes for Harry and Meghan Family
Parallel to the royal family planning around the anniversary, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced logistical hurdles following their return to the United Kingdom after six years living in the United States. Media reports indicated that just two days into the school term, the couple decided to move their children to a different educational institution. A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan clarified that the switch was not due to safety concerns at the school itself. Instead, the representative explained that the decision followed consultations with their family security team regarding practical aspects of their daily routine, specifically citing heavy rush-hour traffic along the school route. The spokesperson added that the duke and duchess remain grateful to the teachers and staff for their care and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Royal Anniversary Plans
Why is Prince William refusing to participate in documentaries about Princess Diana?
According to The Sunday Times, Prince William wants to avoid escalating his ongoing rift with Prince Harry and refuses to let media outlets pit the brothers against each other during the anniversary coverage.
When is the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death?
The 30th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana falls on August 31, 2026.
Are Prince William and Prince Harry currently on speaking terms?
Sources indicate that the brothers have remained in strict separation and have not spoken to each other since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Is Prince Harry making a film about his mother?
Media reports indicate that Prince Harry has held discussions with friends and family members of Diana, including Earl Charles Spencer, regarding a potential project, though no official confirmation has been issued.