Mother's Day 2026: Prince William shares unseen childhood photo of Princess Diana, sparking a wave of nostalgia

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the UK, and the internet was practically swept with memories of the enduring 'People's Princess'. To honour his late mother, Princess Diana, Prince William shared a never-before-seen black and white photo on social media. The heartfelt post instantly melted the hearts of royal fans everywhere, evoking a powerful wave of collective nostalgia for Princess Diana.

The photo shows a young William as a toddler, standing and resting his little hands on his mother's lap, while a seated Diana looks down at him with a gentle expression. The setting is believed to be their former country home, Highgrove House. William simply captioned the image, "Happy Mother's Day, Mama." Just a few short words, no embellishment needed—the depth of his longing was palpable, even through a screen.

A Low-Key Royal Celebration with Family Photos by Catherine

Beyond William's poignant post, the rest of the royal family also enjoyed a warm Mother's Day. Close friends revealed that William and Catherine (whom we know as 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 even took on the role of family photographer, snapping a lovely set of pictures of her children with her own mother, Carole Middleton. It was a picture of understated warmth. This quiet family scene forms a touching contrast to William's very public tribute to his own mother—one side celebrating the warmth of a living family tradition, the other a tender reminder of a presence forever missed.

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's tied to the fourth Sunday of Lent, which means the date changes each year, typically falling in mid-to-late March. Here in Singapore, we follow the more common practice of celebrating on the second Sunday of May. No matter the date, the most important thing is having a day dedicated to appreciating our mums.

A Guide to Thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts

With Mother's Day in Singapore coming up in a couple of months, if you're pondering what to get, here are two ideas that might inspire you. Instead of the usual flowers or cake, why not consider a gift that touches the heart and strengthens the bond between generations?

• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls: This novel has been creating quite a buzz in Western literary circles. Set in the 1970s, it's a story exploring themes of motherhood, coming-of-age, and the lives of girls labelled 'wayward'. If your mum is a literary soul who loves to read and is curious about human nature and history, this book is sure to resonate. It's the kind of book that sparks conversation, letting you dive into its themes together and deepen your understanding of each other.
• Mom's Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family: Now, this gift is a guaranteed emotional treasure. It's a guided journal filled with prompts that encourage your mum to write down her own childhood memories, love stories, life philosophies, and even her dearest wishes for her children. Give this to your mum, let her fill it in at her own pace, and then you and your siblings can take turns reading it. It's an heirloom in the making. For daughters who are mums themselves, reading their own mother's handwritten stories about motherhood and daughterhood will be especially poignant.

Whether it's the deep affection carried in a single photo shared by Prince William, or the personal gift we carefully choose for our own mums, the heart of Mother's Day will always be about love and memory. While we still have the chance, let's make an effort to talk to our mums, learn their stories, and ensure this precious bond is passed down, one generation to the next.