Just hours before departing the UK, the Duke of Sussex paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, as he concluded his four-day visit.

On Thursday morning, Prince Harry attended the Diana Award event in central London, where he spent an hour meeting young changemakers and listening to their stories about how social action has transformed their mental health and communities.

The Diana Award, the only charity established in Diana’s name, is a project Harry continues to share with his brother, Prince William.

During the visit, the Duke spoke passionately about the power of activism to uplift young people’s mental health before joining a panel discussion led by youth advocates Lottie Leach, Elsa Arnold, and Idorenyin Hope Akpan, all 23, and chaired by Dan Lawes, a former Diana Award recipient.

In a moving statement, Harry said: “Getting involved in peaceful social action takes courage and determination. Young people see the issues society faces close up — whether that’s poor mental health or the consequences of inequalities.

“But you don’t stand still; your empathy and compassion drive you to make change. Purpose combined with action can help overcome a sense of hopelessness, and that’s exactly what you’ve shown today.”

He continued: “When you spoke about how taking action gave you purpose, confidence, and joy, it was more powerful than any statistic. It reminded me that agency is not a luxury for young people, it is a lifeline. My mother believed in the power and agency of young people to positively impact the world.

“The Diana Award continues her legacy by putting young people at the heart of everything they do. Today is a perfect example of that. My message to everyone is — don’t stand still, don’t stay silent. Make them hear you, because you speak for the majority.”

A spokesperson for the Duke noted that the visit had been a positive one: “He’s obviously loved being back in the UK, catching up with old friends, colleagues, and supporting the incredible work of the causes that mean so much to him.”

Harry departed London shortly after 11 a.m., wrapping up a visit that was both deeply personal and purpose-driven.