Diana A Doting Mother

Here Jennie reflects on the late princess’ very special relationship with her sons, and how she made them feel so loved

- Jennie Bond

Diana adored being a mother, and she always wanted to show her boys how much she loved being their mum. ‘I smother them with kisses and cuddles because I never had any as a child,’ she told me. ‘So I always want to show William and Harry how much they are loved.’

The sad truth is that, despite Diana’s determination to give her boys the secure and stable childhood that she was denied, the breakdown of her marriage made that impossible. And her death added a whole new level of trauma for her sons. But, in the years they had with their mum, she made sure they felt wrapped in a bubble of love, laughter, fun and compassion.

Playing to the camera, 1985

Diana was determined that her sons should have as normal a childhood as possible, even though they were royal princes. She taught them from an early age that they could have play days and work days.

This photo was taken at Kensington Palace on a day when they had to pose for the cameras, as their parents were giving a lengthy interview to ITV. While Prince Charles tried to encourage the boys to look at the camera – by putting a hanky over his head, pulling it off and shouting, ‘Boo!’ – Diana stood behind her sons to ensure they were on their best behaviour.

Taking the reins, 1986