By Lynette Fleming

JFK, John Lennon, Princess Diana.  Most of us over 50 will never forget where we were and what we were doing when we learned of these very public losses.  Diana’s death struck a nerve in particular because of her boys.  What would happen to them after the death of their beautiful, loving, compassionate mother?  Admired by the world, adored by her children, and fragile and human to the very end, Diana left behind her two young boys-- boys who were destined to become the focus of global interest whether they wanted it or not.

Her death created a new chapter in the life of her sons.  She might have thought that if not for her (and Charles), the boys would have had the private life they sometimes longed for.  However, William and Harry have had more to put up with since her death than Diana could have ever envisioned.  First there was the French judicial investigation, which lasted seven years.  Next “Operation Paget” and finally a six-month inquest held in the Royal Courts of Justice in London.  During the decade after their mother’s death, the two Princes were consistently on the defensive, standing up for their mother’s reputation. 

This book is an amazing pictorial of the life of William and Harry, two young men who have lived up to everything their mother may have possibly wished for them.  It begins with baby pictures of Prince William, and then Prince Harry, covers the playful years of their early childhood, school days, teenage years, college years, the army, and finally gives us a glimpse of the fine young men they have grown into.

Just as “Diana was ‘The People’s Princess,’ the boys should be ‘The People’s Princes’ and remain the way they are,” according to author Ingrid Seward.  It may seem contradictory, but despite Harry’s army career and William’s military training, both make time for charity work.  Just as their mother did, both have shown the ability to bond with those they are trying to help.  The boys have made themselves beloved the world over, growing into patriotic, hard-working, outgoing, and compassionate young men.  Thinking of her death now hurts a little less, knowing how proud Diana would be of the fine young men her sons have become.  

Ingrid Seward has been writing about the Royal Family for over 20 years and is internationally acknowledged as one of the leading experts in the field. Previous books include William and Harry; Diana: Portrait of a Princess; By Royal Invitation; Royalty Revealed; Sarah, Duchess of York; Royal Children of the 20th Century; Prince Edward; The Last Great Edwardian Lady: The Life and Style of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother; and The Queen and Di.

William & Harry: The People's Princes (Carlton Books/ 2009) By Ingrid Seward

Lynette Fleming Is Coauthor of Lunch Buddies: Buddy Up for a Better Diet

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