Prince Harry recalls anguish at walking behind mother's coffin

Written by . Published: June 22 2017

Britain's Prince Harry has spoken about the pain he felt walking behind his mother Princess Diana's coffin when he was just 12-years-old.


In September 1997, Harry joined his father Charles, the Prince of Wales, his grandfather Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, his brother William, the Duke of Cambridge, and uncle Charles, Earl Spencer, in the procession through the streets of London, following Diana's death in a car crash in Paris six days earlier.

Along with the huge amount of media attention and public mourning, Harry has now shared that his recollection of that day continues to haunt him.

"My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television," he told Newsweek in a candid interview. "I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don't think it would happen today."

After an education at schools in the U.K. and spending parts of his gap year in Australia and Lesotho, Harry, 32, chose a military career, undergoing officer training. While his 20s were marred with scandal, including a time when he was photographed in a Nazi uniform at a costume party, the prince claims to have moved past his rebellious phase, following periods of therapy and grief counseling.

"My mother died when I was very young. I didn't want to be in the position I was in, but I eventually pulled my head out of the sand, started listening to people and decided to use my role for good. I am now fired up and energised and love charity stuff, meeting people and making them laugh," he said. "I sometimes still feel I am living in a goldfish bowl, but I now manage it better."

Harry tries to lead a "normal life" and as well as dating American actress Meghan Markle, he acts as a patron of several charities, including the Paralympic-style multi-sport event he created, Invictus Games. Though Harry realizes that he will always be in the spotlight, he is determined not to rely on others.

"I do my own shopping. Sometimes... I worry someone will snap me with their phone. But I am determined to have a relatively normal life and if I am lucky enough to have children, they can have one too," the royal added.