Mother’s Day 2026: Prince William Shares Unseen Photo of Princess Diana, Stirring Collective Memories

It was Mother's Day in the UK yesterday, and social media was filled with tributes to the enduring 'People's Princess'. Marking the occasion, Prince William shared a never-before-seen black and white photo of himself with his late mother, Princess Diana, on his social media channels. The heartfelt post instantly delighted royal fans and brought back a wave of collective memories for many.

The image shows a young William standing, his small hands resting on his mother's knee, while Diana is seated, looking down at him with a gentle expression. The background is believed to be their country home, Highgrove House. William simply captioned it, "Mum, Happy Mother's Day." Just a few simple, unadorned words, but the deep sense of longing was palpable, even through a screen.

Low-Key Royal Celebrations with a Family Photo by Catherine

Beyond William's post, the rest of the royal family also enjoyed a warm Mother's Day. Friends revealed that William and Catherine (known to many as Kate) spent the day with their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—celebrating with the Middleton family at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Word has it that Catherine even took the helm as family photographer, capturing a sweet set of photos of her children with their grandmother, Carole Middleton. It was a scene of pure, low-key family warmth. This understated celebration offers a poignant contrast to William's very public tribute to his own mother—one side representing the continuity of family warmth, the other a void that can never be filled.

When it comes to Mother's Day, it's worth remembering that it's celebrated on different dates around the world. People often ask, When is Mothers Day? In the UK, for instance, it's tied to the fourth Sunday of Lent (the period leading up to Easter), so the date changes each year, typically falling in mid-to-late March. Here in New Zealand, we follow the more widely observed date, celebrating on the second Sunday of May. No matter the date, the important thing is having a day to say a special thanks to our mums.

A Guide to Thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts

With New Zealand's Mother's Day just a couple of months away, those thinking about presents might find inspiration in these two ideas. Instead of the usual flowers or cake, why not consider a gift that touches the heart and connects generations?

• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls: This highly anticipated novel has been creating a buzz in literary circles. Set in the 1970s, it's a story exploring motherhood, growing up, and the experience of girls labelled 'wayward'. If your mum is a keen reader with a curiosity about human nature and history, this book is sure to resonate. It's the kind of story that sparks conversation, giving you both plenty to discuss and helping you understand each other a little better.
• Mom's Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family: Now, this is a gift with serious 'emotional impact' potential. It's a guided journal, filled with prompts that encourage your mum to write down her own childhood memories, love stories, 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 a priceless heirloom in the making. For daughters who are mums themselves, reading their own mother's recorded memories of motherhood and childhood can be an incredibly moving experience.

Whether it's the depth of feeling in a single photo shared by Prince William, or the personal gift we choose for our own mothers, the heart of Mother's Day always comes back to 'love' and 'memories'. While we have the chance, let's make time to talk to our mums, learn their stories, and ensure these precious bonds are passed down through the generations.