The One Trait Prince Harry Definitely Got From His Mom Princess Diana

Back in the 80s and 90s, the world was enthralled by the beauty, radiance, and kindness of Princess Diana. While the "People's Princess" was part of the notoriously reserved Royal Family, the beloved humanitarian cultivated a down-to-earth and fun relationship with her two children, Prince William and Prince Harry. "She made sure that they experienced things like going to the cinema, queuing up to buy McDonald's, going to amusement parks, those sort of things," said Princess Diana's chief of staff, Patrick Jephson, during an interview with ABC.

Even though she had a loving relationship with her sons, some royal enthusiasts have pointed out the beautiful similarities between Diana and Prince Harry. From their love of Africa to their nurturing demeanors, the mother-son duo has constantly been compared throughout Prince Harry's life. "Harry is fiery, he is impetuous, he is vulnerable, he is fragile, very much in the way Diana was," BBC's former royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Express. Join us as we dive into their heartwarming relationship and similarities.

While Princess Diana was known to have an array of admirable qualities, her efforts as a mother and humanitarian continually left fans in awe. Diana was known to flout many rules and customs traditionally upheld by members of the royal family. From sending Prince William and Prince Harry to public school to her refusal to wear gloves while greeting the public, Diana made a name for herself as the Princess of the People. "She was very informal and really enjoyed the laughter and the fun," Prince William recalled in the 2017 documentary "Diana, Mother: Her Life and Legacy" (via History Extra).

Prince Harry definitely inherited his mother's warm hugging habits. During a solo trip to New York, the beloved Princess made headlines when she hugged a child with AIDS at Harlem Hospital. "She did it spontaneously. But she also did the human thing. He was 5 or 6 years old, and she just picked him up and hugged him," Dr. Margaret Heafarty told The New York Times. Fortunately for fans of Diana, her warm hugging abilities and kindness found their way to her children, especially Prince Harry. In an interview with journalist Angela Levin, the army veteran revealed he was an expert at giving hugs due to his mother. "Everyone needs a hug now and again, and it just so happens that I'm very good with hugs," he said (via Readers Digest).

Following Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997, people around the globe have continued to honor and cherish her memory. Alongside the public's continued devotion, Prince Harry has also made an effort to keep his mother's memory alive through his acts of public service. "Every day, I hope to do her proud. She was tireless in her work to support and destigmatize those experiencing HIV/AIDS," he said at the 2022 ISPS Handa Polo Cup in August (via ABC News). "I hope we can remember my mother's legacy by recommitting to those that we serve, whoever and wherever they may be."

Over the years, Prince Harry has followed in his mother's footsteps with his unwavering devotion to humanitarian efforts, including his Invictus Games Foundation. According to the foundation's website, the games were created in 2014 to host multi-sport competitions for wounded, injured, and sick service members. "The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding for those who serve their country," the organization's website explains.

In an April interview with People, the Duke of Sussex revealed he created the foundation due to his mother's long history of helping others. "In the 12 short years I was lucky enough to have with her, I saw and felt the energy and lift she got from helping others," he told the news outlet. "I honor my mother in everything I do. I am my mother's son."