Princess Catherine once again proved that elegance and sustainability go hand in hand as she joined Prince William in honoring young changemakers at the 2023 Diana Award ceremony, held on Friday, June 30th. The event, a heartfelt tribute to the late Princess Diana’s legacy, celebrated remarkable youth from around the world who are making a significant impact in their communities

. Known for her timeless style and down-to-earth sensibility, the Duchess of Cambridge chose to rewear a striking white off-the-shoulder gown by designer Barbara Casasola. This particular dress, which gracefully hugs the figure and falls to the ankle, had previously been worn by Catherine at the Art Fund Museum of the Year award ceremony held at London’s Natural History Museum back in July 2016. This time, she refreshed the look with a silver satin clutch and a pair of sparkling ombré pumps by Jimmy Choo that subtly transitioned from silver to pale blue. Her signature glossy brown hair was styled in soft, cascading waves, contributing to her effortlessly graceful appearance.

Not only did Catherine attend the ceremony, but she was also expected to deliver a heartfelt speech, highlighting her active role in supporting youth initiatives. Her presence alongside Prince William underscored the couple’s shared commitment to continuing Princess Diana’s mission of uplifting young people who are creating positive change. At the start of the event, Prince William, who is now 41, addressed the audience with a moving speech.

He was introduced by Hannah Hodgson, a past Diana Legacy Award winner, and used the platform to commend the recipients for their strength, resilience, and unwavering passion for bettering the world around them. He emphasized that what connects these exceptional individuals is their courage, empathy, and tireless pursuit of justice and equity.

He reminded viewers—particularly those watching through the event’s broadcast on YouTube—of the immense value in nurturing and empowering the next generation. According to him, when young people are given the right tools and opportunities, their potential to transform the world becomes limitless. This belief, he noted, was a cornerstone of his mother’s legacy and is a vision he is proud to carry forward in her honor.

Meanwhile, Catherine also took the stage, joining Vee Kativu, one of the inspiring 2021 Legacy Award recipients. In her address, the Duchess spoke passionately about the importance of unity and service, underscoring the idea that transformative change is never achieved in isolation. She expressed her deep admiration for the honorees, noting that their work exemplifies how the simple yet powerful act of using one’s voice can lead to real-world impact.

According to her, those who dedicate themselves to the service of others become part of a collective movement—a global network of individuals working together toward justice and equality. Catherine reflected on how Princess Diana’s enduring legacy continues to light the way for navigating the complexities of today’s world. She acknowledged that many of the global challenges we currently face—ranging from environmental issues to mental health struggles and systemic inequality—disproportionately burden the younger generation. Despite the scale and severity of these obstacles, she expressed a profound sense of hope. That hope, she said, lies in the strength of collective action and in the diverse perspectives that young people bring to the table.

The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the lasting influence of Princess Diana’s compassion and advocacy. It highlighted the resilience and brilliance of youth worldwide, while also showcasing the dedication of the Prince and Princess of Wales in supporting the next wave of global changemakers.