Prince William paid tribute to his late mother Princess Diana on UK Mother’s Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, by sharing a rare childhood photograph on social media.The Prince of Wales, 43, marked the occasion on March 15 by posting an unseen picture from his childhood on Instagram. The photo, taken in 1984 at Highgrove House, shows two-year-old William holding hands with Diana while standing in a field of flowers.“Remembering my mother, today and every day. Thinking of all those who are remembering someone they love today. Happy Mother’s Day. W,” he wrote in the caption.
Prince William shares childhood photo with mother Diana on Instagram.
William was 15 when Diana died in 1997 following a car crash in Paris.
Royal family shares Mother’s Day tributes
As families across United Kingdom celebrated mothers and maternal figures, other members of the royal family also marked the day.King Charles III and Queen Camilla shared a tribute on Instagram featuring a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and another image of Camilla with her late mother Rosalind Shand.“Wishing Mothers everywhere, and those who might be missing their Mums today, a restful Mothering Sunday,” the caption read.Meanwhile, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who shares three children with William — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, did not post a public tribute this year.
Why UK Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 15
In the UK, Mother’s Day is known as Mothering Sunday and in 2026 it falls on March 15 because it is observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter.The tradition dates back to a Christian custom when people would return to their “mother church” during Lent. Over time, the day evolved into an occasion for families to reunite and celebrate mothers.Because the date is linked to the Easter calendar, Mothering Sunday changes every year, though it always falls in March.
How it differs from Mother’s Day in US
Unlike Mother’s Day in the United States, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, the UK observance is rooted in the Christian liturgical calendar.Today, however, both traditions are widely celebrated with cards, flowers, and gifts as families honour mothers and maternal figures.
