Prince Harry 'inspired' by Diana's charity

Published on Saturday 18 December 2010 12:52

PRINCE Harry has described how he hopes to emulate the "fantastic" charitable work of his parents.

The prince's comments came ahead of a visit to Berlin yesterday where he was expected to be honoured for his humanitarian and charity work with an award presented live on television.

He was to receive a Golden Heart during Ein Herz fr Kinder (A Heart for Children), Germany's largest televised fundraising gala.

Past recipients include Hollywood actress Salma Hayek, the 2009 winner, and in recent years Jane Fonda, Sharon Stone and Queen Silvia of Sweden have all been presented with the honour. In the interview with the German newspaper Bild, Prince Harry spoke about the influence his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and father, the Prince of Wales, have had on his charity work.

He said: "My mother was an inspiration to me, and my brother. And also to so many people around the world.

"She did so much fantastic work with her charities and I think people particularly warmed to her because of the way she was able to put them at ease, no matter what environment or situation they were in.

"Her compassion was obvious to see. Like her, I realise I am in a privileged position as a member of the Royal Family, and I have to use what I have been given to highlight important issues."

Harry said his mother always remained in his thoughts, and added: "But I have also learnt an awful lot from my father, who has worked with loads of charities for decades."