When we become parents, we get a whole new understanding of how life might have been for our parents raising us. We gain a new appreciation for our parents' choices, and for many, that makes the bond grow even stronger. Now that Prince William and Prince Harry are both dads, watching their kids grow up with their respective moms, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, has likely stirred up some happy memories of their own mother, Princess Diana.
The public adored Diana because it was so clear how much she loved her boys. She would always put their needs first, which wasn't the norm in the royal family, and she knew the importance of happiness above all else. She was sadly taken too soon from her kids, and as what would have been her 60th birthday approaches in July 2021, we're sure William and Harry are feeling nostalgic for those moments she made special in their lives.
In honor of Diana, we're taking a walk down memory lane and highlighting some of the sweetest throwback photos of the people's princess with the two biggest loves of her life, her sons.
The First Photo With a Newborn William
On June 21, 1982, Diana and Prince Charles welcomed their first child, William, into the world. This photo of the new parents holding their son on the steps of St. Mary's Hospital is the first glimpse the public got of the monarchy's newest heir. Of course, this is strikingly similar to when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their first child, Prince George, in 2013 and posed on the same hospital steps.
Prince William's Christening
On August 4, 1982, a glammed-up Diana held her son and posed for pictures in honor of his christening. It's clear that Diana is already a total natural at being a mom. Just look at her beaming with pride, as Charles admires the mother-son pair from behind the sofa.
A Quick Trip to Scotland
In October 1983, William and his doting mom arrived in Scotland after a brief plane ride. Diana loved to keep her son close, and she felt it was important to be there for him. We're not sure how she was able to look so flawless while chasing a toddler around, but she was certainly an icon when it came to showing that moms can still be super fashionable.
A Visit to Australia & New Zealand
One of the things Diana did really well, and likely why she was universally loved, was make her life in the royal family seem more relatable. Here she is, sitting on a blanket in the grass while helping a baby William practice standing — something all of us moms have done with our own little ones.
All Eyes on William
Diana had to have been cold in this photo! As a cozily bundled-up William stands on a bench between his parents, Diana holds his hand securely and gives her little boy her full attention, while Charles steadies William so he doesn't fall. It's nice to see Diana and Charles looking like a team — at least when it came to parenting.
Harry's First Public Photo With Mom
On September 15, 1984, Harry arrived in the world, making Diana a mom of two. Once again, the princess posed for a picture as she left the hospital, giving her millions of fans a chance to see her new addition. And of course, she looked as beautiful as ever, despite having just given birth.
Diana Is Reunited With Her Boys
Once Harry entered the picture, Diana's hands were fuller than ever, so she and Charles did a little tag-teaming. This photo shows her returning from a two-week tour of Italy and reuniting with her precious boys, who she had to leave behind. The sheer joy of being back with them is evident on her face. And just look at William, already hamming it up for the cameras.
A Cuddle From Mom
Knowing what we know now about Diana and how she struggled with mental health issues — made worse by all the cameras and media attention — we can see how protective she was over her kids. In this snapshot, she's hugging a young Harry close to her, as if to shield him from the spotlight. Also, how cute is it to see a royal baby without socks and shoes — it's so refreshingly casual for the normally prim and proper family.
Making Music Together
In 1985, Diana posed for a picture with William and Harry while they sat at the piano. This could be a typical photo taken by any family during this time. We love Diana's warm smile here — she was clearly happy to be wherever her boys were.
William's First Day of Nursery School
One of the most beautiful things about looking back at photos of Diana with her two boys is seeing how often William and Kate have re-created similar moments with their three kids. Here, Diana was accompanying William to his first day at nursery school where he met his new teacher and classmates. Of course, he's standing close and tightly holding his mom's hand.
A Playful Mom
The royal family leads the kind of life that most people can't relate to. But whenever Diana was photographed with her sons, we all saw ourselves in her — that's how down-to-earth she really was. She may have been a princess and future queen, but she was also just a mom playing with her kids and trying to give them a happy childhood. Whether she was on the Buckingham Palace balcony watching the Trooping the Colour or having fun at home with her kids, she was real.
All the Attention for Her Guys
Though Diana was raising her boys amid the pressures of the world's spotlight, she had an incredible way of shrugging it off in public and focusing on her kids. Even though she knew her every move was being scrutinized and dissected, she didn't let that take away from the enjoyment of those special little moments with Harry and William.
William With Mom & Grandma
William and Harry's paternal grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, may be one of the most famous people in the world, but the brothers also had another grandmother, Diana's mom, Frances Shand Kydd. In this throwback photo, Diana and Frances cuddled up with William while watching a polo match. Though William's attention was fixed on the on-field action, Diana showed him a little affection by playfully ruffling his hair in a tender, motherly gesture.
A Matched Set
There's nothing cuter than siblings dressed in matching outfits. William and Harry proved this with their bright red sweaters. Diana can be seen lovingly touching Harry's shoulder, maybe to direct his attention to where it needs to be. Also, how chic does she look in that pantsuit?!
A Skiing Holiday in Austria
Some of our favorite pictures of Diana and her boys are the ones that feel casual and relaxed. She always seemed more at ease when she wasn't attending an official royal engagement, like when she was on vacation in Austria. Diana and her sons loved to ski together — and in this snap, they're showing off their colorful '90s-style snow gear.
A Beach Trip, Too
The princes were able to make some beautiful memories with their mom when she would take them on family vacations like this one to Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. At this moment, Diana was photographed with Harry and a few friends as they played on the beach and even buried her in the sand.
