August 31st remains a profoundly difficult day for Prince William, marking the anniversary of the tragic death of his beloved mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. Even after nearly three decades, the loss continues to resonate deeply, not only for William but also for the millions worldwide who admired the “People’s Princess” for her compassion, grace, and dedication to humanitarian causes. While William carries forward his mother’s legacy through his own charitable work and public service, he has recently faced a barrage of cruel and baseless attacks on social media, particularly from anti-monarchist accounts. These criticisms, which twist his efforts to defend Diana’s memory, are not only unfair but also a disservice to her enduring legacy.

A Day of Remembrance

On August 31, 2025, Prince William, like many others, paused to reflect on the life and loss of Princess Diana. Her untimely death in a Paris car crash at the age of 36 left an indelible mark on her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as on the global public who cherished her warmth and authenticity. For William, then just 15 years old, the loss was a personal tragedy that shaped his life and worldview. Each year, the anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the void left by his mother, whose commitment to causes like AIDS awareness, landmine removal, and mental health advocacy continues to inspire.

William has spoken candidly about the enduring pain of losing his mother, describing it as a wound that never fully heals. Yet, he has channeled this grief into meaningful action, championing initiatives like the Earthshot Prize and mental health campaigns through the Royal Foundation, echoing Diana’s passion for making a difference. His dedication to these causes is a testament to his desire to honor his mother’s memory, not just in words but through tangible impact.

Unfair Attacks on Social Media

Despite his efforts, Prince William has faced a wave of vicious and unfounded criticism on platforms like X, particularly from anti-monarchist accounts seeking to undermine his character. Some have accused him of “abusing his mum,” a shocking and baseless claim that distorts his advocacy for her. Others have mocked him, alleging he was “disrespectful to her memory” or suggesting that he has “jumped on the bandwagon” by addressing Diana’s struggles. One particularly callous comment labeled him “lazy” and accused him of “making her death about himself.” These attacks are not constructive criticism but deliberate attempts to inflict pain and misrepresent his intentions.

Such remarks are not only hurtful to William but also disrespectful to Diana’s legacy. They exploit her memory to score political points, ignoring the reality of William’s steadfast commitment to defending his mother’s dignity. The cruelty of these accusations stands in stark contrast to the compassion Diana embodied, and they reflect a broader trend of sensationalism that thrives on distortion and divisiveness.

Defending Diana: The Panorama Controversy

At the heart of these attacks is a misrepresentation of William’s stance on the infamous 1995 Panorama interview, in which Princess Diana spoke candidly about her struggles within the royal family. Years later, an independent inquiry revealed that the interview was secured through deceitful tactics by BBC journalist Martin Bashir, who used forged documents to manipulate Diana into participating. The revelation confirmed that the interview exacerbated her distress, feeding into her feelings of isolation and mistrust.

In 2021, Prince William addressed the issue in a powerful statement and video released by Kensington Palace. He condemned the BBC’s unethical practices, stating that the interview “holds no legitimacy” and contributed to his mother’s “fear, paranoia, and isolation” in her final years. Far from attacking Diana, as some detractors claim, William’s words were a defense of her dignity, calling out the exploitation she endured. His decision to speak out was not about personal gain but about ensuring accountability and protecting his mother’s memory from further misuse.

Carrying Forward Diana’s Legacy

William’s actions demonstrate a deep commitment to honoring his mother’s legacy. Through initiatives like Heads Together, which promotes mental health awareness, and his work with homelessness and environmental causes, he has continued the humanitarian spirit that defined Diana’s life. His public engagements, often conducted with warmth and accessibility, mirror the approachability that made his mother so beloved. By focusing on service and compassion, William ensures that Diana’s values live on in a meaningful way.

The contrast between his dedication and the vitriol he faces on social media is stark. Critics who label him “lazy” ignore his extensive work as the Prince of Wales, from supporting charities to representing the monarchy on the global stage. Those who accuse him of exploiting Diana’s death fail to acknowledge the personal toll of reliving her loss publicly while striving to uphold her legacy.

A Call for Respect

The attacks on Prince William are not just an assault on his character but a disservice to the memory of Princess Diana. By twisting his efforts to defend her into something malicious, detractors diminish the very qualities—empathy, resilience, and integrity—that Diana championed. As William continues to navigate his role with dignity, he deserves recognition for his commitment to her causes, not baseless criticism rooted in anti-monarchist agendas.

On August 31, as William reflects on his mother’s life and loss, the public should join him in celebrating her legacy rather than fueling divisive narratives. Diana’s light continues to shine through her son’s work, and that is what truly matters. In a world quick to judge, William’s resolve to honor his mother through service and compassion is a powerful reminder of the values she held dear.