In a rare and heartfelt interview, Prince William opened up about his enduring grief over the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and how his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has helped him navigate some of the most emotionally challenging moments of his life.
Appearing on the BBC One program Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health, the heir to the throne spoke with former footballer Marvin Sordell about the impact of trauma and the importance of open conversations around mental health.
William, who was just 15 when Diana tragically died in a car crash in 1997, revealed that grief doesn’t simply fade with time. Instead, it can resurface unexpectedly — especially during life milestones like becoming a parent.
“Having children is the biggest life-changing moment,” he said. “When you’ve been through something traumatic, like losing a parent, those emotions come back in these environments. It’s a very different phase of life, and sometimes there’s no one there to help you.”
The Power of Partnership
Prince William credited Catherine as a vital source of support in helping him manage these difficult emotions. Together, as parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, the couple have created space for healing and growth.
“Me and Catherine, we support each other,” he shared. “We go through those moments together and we evolve and learn together. But emotionally, things come out of the blue — things you think you’ve dealt with. I completely relate to that.”
Their shared journey as parents has not only strengthened their bond but also helped William face the complex emotions tied to his past. He described fatherhood as both overwhelming and beautiful, acknowledging the immense responsibility and deep love that come with raising children.
A Message of Healing and Hope
Marvin Sordell, who also spoke about his own mental health struggles, offered Prince William a touching message: both his father and Princess Diana would be proud — not only of the man he’s become, but of his ongoing commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health.
The interview forms part of William’s Heads Up campaign, which uses the universal appeal of football to encourage men across the UK to open up about mental health. The initiative is aimed at tackling stigma, normalizing conversations around anxiety, depression, and suicide, and creating a culture where vulnerability is seen as strength.
Prince William’s honesty is a powerful reminder that grief is not something you “get over,” and that even royalty is not immune to emotional hardship. Through openness, support, and shared experience, he and Catherine continue to model resilience — showing that healing is a journey best taken together.
