Princess Diana was known for her kindness and compassion in her philanthropic work — she was actually the first member of the royal family to come in contact with a person infected with HIV or AIDS [1] — and her affectionate ways extended to her own family, too. It's well documented that she and Prince Harry loved to hold hands [2], but that wasn't the extent of the sweet gestures she made toward her sons. The late princess was also photographed cuddling a young Harry (pictured above) and sitting with William nearly in her lap during a polo match.
At the time, it was a breath of fresh air to see a senior royal showing affection in public because of the queen's unwritten rules [3] that discourage such gestures. (Remember when Prince William got scolded [4] for crouching down to Prince George's level on the balcony of Buckingham Palace?). It's also telling that Princess Diana often chose casual poses with her children tucked close for official photographs rather than more formal setups [5] like we still sometimes see from the royal family.
But it shouldn't be surprising that the People's Princess was such an affectionate mother — she spoke out about the importance of hugging [6] in 1992, saying, "Hugging has no harmful side effects. If we all play our part in making our children feel valued, the result will be tremendous. There are potential huggers in every household." We bet she gave the BEST hugs! Keep reading for all the loving moments between Princess Diana and her sons, Princes William and Harry.
Diana, Princess of Wales, poses with Prince William and Prince Harry at the piano in Kensington Palace, where Diana resided from 1981 until her death in 1997.
Prince William cuddled into his mum's lap while watching a polo tournament in Windsor in 1989.
Princess Diana put a supportive hand on Harry's back on the day he joined Eton in 1995.
Princess Diana soothed baby William during his 1982 christening photos.
Princess Diana held on tight to William's hand while out in snowy London in 1987.
In 1989, Harry and his mum held hands on their way out of his London school.
Both boys sat between their mum's legs during a casual outing in Spain in 1987.
Diana forwent a formal pose and held William in her lap for their official portraits in 1984.
Princess Diana and Prince Harry were hand in hand on their way to St. George's Chapel in 1992.
Princess Diana lovingly held Prince William as they arrived at Aberdeen airport in Scotland in 1983.
Both boys had their mother's hand when they attended a wedding in Bath in 1989.
Princess Diana led William by the hand on his first day of school in 1985.
Princess Diana cuddled a young Harry in her arms during the family's 1987 visit to Spain.
Princess Diana held onto William's hand at the Windsor polo fields in 1989.
Princess Diana holds both her sons hands as they attend the wedding of the Duke of Hussey's daughter in Bath, England in 1989.