Prince William Remembers Princess Di During Australian Visit, Celebrates With Prince George
Prince William and his family arrived in Australia this week, causing the British royal to recall his first visit Down Under over 30 years ago with his late mother, Princess Diana.
William, his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their son, Prince George, are currently on a tour that started in New Zealand and will end in Australia three weeks from now. On Wednesday, April 16, the Duke of Cambridge reflected on his experiences in Australia with a speech at the welcoming reception in Sydney where he recounted his mother, Princess Di's love for the nation, as well as his brother Prince Harry's.
"This visit to Australia has been one that Catherine and I have been looking forward to for a long time," the 31-year-old prince told The Australian. "On my first visit here as an adult in 2010, I remember just how bowled over I was by Sydney; seeing the energy and diversity of this beautiful city, and understanding just how much Australia is the home of innovation, opportunity and possibility."
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"I was well prepared; the affection that my grandmother The Queen has for this nation is infectious," William continued. "Her Majesty spoke recently of how, since her first visit here 60 years ago, she has been privileged to witness Australia's growing economy and flowering self-confidence."
The Duke of Cambridge went on to reference his wife and brother who share his affinity for Aussies, before noting his mother, Diana, who died in a car accident in 1997.
"For Catherine, Harry and me, born in the early '80s, we've never known anything else- Australia and Australians have always been for us a beacon of confidence, creativity in the arts and sporting ability," he said. "Harry felt very honored to be invited to the centenary Fleet Review in Sydney harbor last year; and I know how much my father enjoyed his visit here in honor of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. My mother's deep affection for Australia- which you were so kind to reciprocate- needs no reminder."
Ahead of her death at the age of 36, Diana brought William to Australia in 1983 with her then-husband, Prince Charles. The princess last visited the country in 1996. The Duke and Duchess' current tour marks Prince George's first trip abroad, and the family is expected to make many appearances along the three-week venture.
