Prince William Has an Emotional Wish for George That Would Honor Princess Diana’s Legacy
Celebrated for her lasting legacy in charity work, the late Princess Diana is lovingly known as the 'People’s Princess.'
Prince William was just 15 when his mother, Princess Diana, tragically died in a car crash in 1997. Celebrated for her lasting legacy in charity work, Diana is lovingly known as the 'People’s Princess.' Now, it seems the Prince of Wales is keen to pass that legacy to his son, Prince George. Teacher Wendy Daunt recently revealed William’s heartfelt wish to see George carry on Diana’s passion for supporting the deaf community.
Daunt, known for her work with the deaf community, recalled her conversation with William during her recent investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. She told the BBC, “I wanted to tell him how proud the deaf community was of his mother, Princess Diana.” She reminisced about the late Princess's attendance at the British Deaf Association conference in Blackpool, where she “came on stage to receive a book, and she signed in BSL." She shared that the deaf community was amazed and in awe of it. Hence, she asked William, “So I said, 'Why don't your three children learn to sign?' and his face said, 'I'm not sure', but then he said, 'Maybe Prince George would like to.'”
Touched by William’s sweet wish for his eldest son, Daunt added, “Prince William did say that I could teach Prince George BSL. But I think it would be better for a younger person, a boy of his own age perhaps, to teach him football signs. I would like Prince George to be friends with deaf children.” Daunt also revealed an emotional moment when the Prince of Wales hugged her after the touching conversation about his mother. She explained, “They said I have to go back two steps, bow, and turn and leave. But I didn't. I remember hugging, then I realized I'd forgotten to curtsy and I went back to do a curtsy.”
The people’s princess
— John Luke (@yesknow) November 4, 2024
In 1989, during a visit to the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School, Princess Diana famously introduced herself in British Sign Language to a young deaf child.
Diana, known for her compassion and dedication to connecting with people on a… pic.twitter.com/gqO9yTxCrl
The late Diana has been a steadfast advocate for the deaf community. As reported by the Daily Mail, the first time Diana signed in British Sign Language to a public audience was in 1990, when she addressed 800 delegates at a conference for the British Deaf Association. Using her hands, the Princess gestured, “I am very proud to receive this book, thank you. I offer my congratulations to the British Deaf Association for 100 years of service.” Spokesman Bernard Quinn praised her, saying, “There were no mistakes, no fluffs, and everyone in the audience understood what she said. She made a very important gesture to deaf people.” Diana also used BSL to introduce herself to a boy in 1987.
Just like their late mother, William and Prince Harry also have some proficiency in British Sign Language. In 2020, William had signed the words “Congratulations, Alex,” to deaf actor Alex Duguid when he received his MBE at Buckingham Palace. His wife, Kate Middleton, has also used BSL to speak to a child who was hard of hearing while visiting the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth. So, it is just a matter of time before young George also follows in his parents' footsteps for advocacy.
