Prince William Opens Up About His “Saddest Memory” After Learning Of Princess Diana’s Death

May 24, 2021

While giving an address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on May 22, 2021, Prince William said he found "comfort and solace" in the Scottish countryside following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. PEOPLE reported that William stepped out as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland this month. This is the first time he has carried out the role, which was appointed to him by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. 

William began his tour of Scotland following his appointment just one day after he released an emotional statement condemning how BBC handled the famous Panorama interview that Diana gave in 1995. In his statement, released on May 20, William said that this interview, which was conducted by Martin Bashir, was a "major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse." William also expressed his anger in the wake of the official inquiry into the circumstances leading up to Diana's interview with the BBC for the "deceitful way the interview was obtained."

The Duke of Cambridge's first visit in his Scottish tour began in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, on Friday, May 21, where he attended an event that helped to highlight the benefits of sports on mental health. This was followed by his address at the Church during which he opened up about how much Scotland meant to him personally. In his heartfelt speech, he elaborated on how Scotland has been the location for his happiest as well as saddest memories, especially as he was in Scotland when he heard about his mother's passing. 

William began his lengthy speech by saying, "Her Majesty The Queen has asked me to come here in person to reassure you of Her pledge to preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland." He continued, "One day, it will be my responsibility to swear my own oath to maintain and preserve the security and independence of the Church of Scotland."

"My appointment is therefore both a great honor and a humbling opportunity. It is my duty today to speak, but equally, I am here to listen. In Scotland this week I will have my eyes and ears permanently open. There's so much to see and to hear about," William added before he opened up about his own personal relationship he has with Scotland. 

"Along with listening this week, there is something I do want to tell you. Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I've been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy... Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest," William stated. 

William touched upon how the royal family members such as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles nurture their connection to Scotland before noting that he was in Scotland when he learned about his mother's death. 

"I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning." William said, and continued, "And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep."

Even though Scotland housed this painful memory for the Duke of Cambridge, he also touched up how it was also the location of his most cherished times.

"And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland – twenty years ago this year – that I first met Catherine. Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart," he said. 

According to Town & Country, William and Kate attended the University of St Andrews together, where the two had enrolled in 2001. In one of the most famous stories from their university days, the prince famously watched a charity fashion show that featured none other than Middleton herself. 

William added that Scotland is becoming dear to his children as well as he said, "George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders."

PEOPLE also reported that Kate joined her husband on Monday, May 24, after which the couple will set off on a series of visits over several days. Their trips include a visit to St. Andrews University, where the couple's story began, as well as a visit to Orkney, which will mark the first time they will be there on official royal duties. 

What did you think about William's heartfelt address at the Church of Scotland? Tell us what your thoughts are, and be sure to let royal fans in your life know about William's relationship with Scotland.