As July 1 approaches, Prince Harry will no doubt take a quiet moment to remember his mother, Princess Diana, who would have turned 64 this year.

Her life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1997, when Harry was only 12 years old.

Despite the decades that have passed, Diana’s influence still deeply shapes Harry’s life, his choices, and even his marriage.

A Grief That Never Truly Fades

Harry has always been open about the weight of losing his mother so young.

He’s spoken candidly about how grief can “eat away at you inside,” and over the years, he’s channeled that pain into honoring Diana’s legacy — both alongside Prince William and in his personal life with Meghan Markle.

Keeping Diana’s Spirit Alive Through Charity

After her passing, Harry and William helped organize the Concert for Diana, and both have continued her charitable work.

Harry’s passion project, Sentebale, named after the forget-me-not flower that symbolized his mother, supports children affected by HIV in Lesotho.

It’s a direct nod to Diana’s own mission to bring awareness and compassion to those living with HIV and AIDS.

Diana and Meghan: A Bond Across Time

Harry has often drawn connections between his late mother and his wife, Meghan Markle.

In fact, he once introduced Meghan to Diana’s sisters, hoping they’d see the resemblance — and they did.

In a heartfelt BBC interview, Harry said of Meghan and his mother: “They’d be thick as thieves.”

He added that Diana would’ve been “over the moon” about Meghan.

A Wedding Woven With Reminders of Diana

From the flowers to the music, Diana’s presence was everywhere at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018.

Royal biographer Tina Brown described it as filled with tributes — from the Forget-me-nots in Meghan’s bouquet to Lady Jane Fellowes, Diana’s sister, delivering a poignant reading from the Song of Solomon.

A Floral Tribute Fit for a Princess

The floral arrangements at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor included white peonies and garden roses, two of Diana’s favorite blooms.

Before the wedding, her former butler Paul Burrell even predicted that Meghan would carry white roses — and he was right.

Harry himself hand-picked flowers from their private Kensington Palace garden, including the forget-me-nots, to include in the bouquet.

The Power of Music and Memory

One particularly emotional moment came during the singing of Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, a hymn that had also been sung at Diana’s funeral.

The song clearly struck a chord with Harry, bringing back memories of the heartbreaking day the world said goodbye to his mother.

A Surprise from Elton John

In a happier tribute, Sir Elton John — one of Diana’s dearest friends — surprised wedding guests with a live performance during the reception.

He played a medley of his hits like Your Song and Circle of Life, bringing a joyful energy to a day filled with emotion and remembrance.

Diana’s Jewelry Lives On Through Meghan

Diana made it clear that her sons should share her jewelry with their future wives, and Harry made sure to honor that.

Meghan’s engagement ring features small diamonds from Diana’s collection, and she wore Diana’s iconic aquamarine ring at their evening reception — a stunning piece Diana had worn during a trip to Australia in 1996.

Two Global Moments Forever Etched in History

Both Diana’s funeral and Harry’s wedding were global events.

The funeral in 1997 drew a staggering 2.5 billion viewers worldwide.

In contrast, the Sussexes’ 2018 wedding attracted 1.9 billion viewers and turned Windsor into a sea of cheering crowds.

Though very different in tone, both events united people across cultures in grief and in celebration.

Honoring Diana Instead of Accepting Gifts

In another act inspired by Diana’s charitable heart, Harry and Meghan requested that wedding guests donate to causes close to their hearts rather than give traditional presents.

One of the chosen charities was the Children’s HIV Association, continuing Diana’s advocacy in a meaningful way.

Every Detail Held Symbolism — Even the Flowers

Meghan’s bouquet was carefully curated not just for beauty, but for meaning.

It included:

Astilbe – representing patience and waiting
Lily of the Valley – symbolizing sweetness and joy
Astrantia – for courage and protection
Forget-me-nots – Diana’s signature flower
Myrtle – a royal tradition
Sweet peas – evoking bliss and delicate pleasure

Each bloom told part of the story — a tribute to love, legacy, and a mother’s memory.

A Son’s Everlasting Tribute

Though Diana wasn’t physically at her youngest son’s wedding, every part of the day reflected her spirit.

Now, on what would have been her 64th birthday, Prince Harry will no doubt reflect on the powerful imprint she left on his life, his values, and the family he’s building with Meghan.

In many ways, her legacy lives on — not just in charities or jewels, but in the love Harry carries with him every day.