Mother's Day 2026: Prince William shares unseen photo of Princess Diana, sparking fond memories

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the UK, and social media was flooded with tributes to the one and only 'People's Princess'. To honour his late mother, Princess Diana, Prince William shared a previously unseen black-and-white photograph on social media, a touching move that delighted royal fans and stirred collective memories of Diana.

The photo shows a young William as a boy, standing with his hands resting on his mother's lap, while a seated Diana looks down at him with a tender expression. The setting is believed to be their former country home, Highgrove House. William simply captioned it: 'Mum, Happy Mother's Day.' Just a few words, no embellishment—yet the depth of longing behind them is palpable.

Royal Family Marks the Day with Low-Key Celebrations; Catherine behind the Camera

Beyond William's post, the rest of the royal family also enjoyed a warm Mother's Day. Friends close to the family reveal that William and Catherine (whom we often call the Princess of Wales) took their three children—George, Charlotte and Louis—to Anmer Hall in Norfolk to celebrate with the Middleton family. Word has it that Catherine herself was behind the camera, taking family photos of her children with her mother, Carole Middleton. It was an undeniably heartwarming scene. This kind of quiet, domestic warmth forms a poignant contrast to William's very public tribute to his late mother—on one hand, the continuation of family warmth; on the other, an absence that can never be filled.

Speaking of Mother's Day, it's worth remembering that it's celebrated on different dates around the world. People often ask: when is Mother's Day? In the UK, for instance, it falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, so the date changes each year, usually landing somewhere between mid-March and early April. In Hong Kong, we tend to follow the more common date, celebrating on the second Sunday in May. But regardless of the date, the important thing is that it gives us a chance to thank our mums.

A Guide to Thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts

With a couple of months to go until Mother's Day in Hong Kong, those pondering gift ideas might find inspiration in the two suggestions below. Instead of the usual flowers and cake, why not consider something that touches the heart and connects generations?

• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls: This novel has been creating quite a stir in the literary world recently. Set in the 1970s, it's a story exploring motherhood, growing up, and the lives of girls deemed 'wayward'. If your mum is a book lover with a curiosity about human nature and history, this is a perfect choice. It will resonate with her, and you can discuss the plot together afterwards, deepening your understanding of each other.
• Mom's Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family: Now, this is a gift with serious emotional impact. It's a guided journal, filled with prompts encouraging your mum to write down her own childhood memories, her stories of falling in love, her life philosophy, and even her heartfelt thoughts for her children. Give this to your mum, let her fill it in at her own pace, and then share it amongst the family. It's an heirloom in the making. For daughters who are mothers themselves, reading about their own mum's experiences of motherhood and daughterhood, the shared journey, will be especially moving.

Whether it's the memories carried in a single photograph shared by Prince William, or the gift we choose for our own mothers, the heart of Mother's Day remains rooted in love and remembrance. So while we still can, let's take the time to talk to our mums, to listen to their stories, and to pass that precious bond down through the generations.