On Monday, Prince Harry praised the "compassion" of young humanitarians at the Diana Awards ceremony, a virtual ceremony in which more than 300 young people were honored. The Diana Award was established in 1999 in memory of the Princess of Wales and honors "outstanding young people who selflessly create and sustain positive social change." This year's awards ceremony was held in honor of Princess Diana's 60th birthday on Thursday, July 1.

"It is truly an honor to celebrate your work, your commitment to change, and your important role in representing a new generation of humanitarianism," the Duke of Sussex told the honorees in a video address. [This weekend, my brother and I will be celebrating my mother's 60th birthday, and she would be very proud of all of you for living an authentic life with purpose and compassion for others," he continued. Harry and his brother Prince William will attend a ceremony at Kensington Palace on Thursday to unveil a statue of Diana on her birthday.

"Our mother believed that young people have the power to change the world. And I see the boundless enthusiasm and passion in the faces of young people just like you, and I see the same values shining through," Harry said. Meg and I basically believe that our world is on the cusp of change. But the question before us is what that change will look like."

The Duke of Sussex further addressed the social inequalities highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic. He said, "The COVID-19 crisis has exposed serious inequalities and imbalances around the world. We saw the pandemic disproportionately affect communities of color, women, underserved communities, and less affluent countries. And unless we take swift action, the disparities in our humanitarian and moral obligation to vaccinate will continue."

"Young leadership is greatly needed, and there is no better time to be a young leader. To the 2021 Diana Award winners, thank you for inspiring us with your brilliance, determination, and compassion."

"Never be afraid to do the right thing," Harry concluded. Trust that when you stand up for what you believe in and live in truth and service to others, people will see it."