Prince William Shares What His Mother Princess Diana Taught Him as He Honors Young People in Her Name

The Prince of Wales was the guest of honor as the Diana Award charity marked its 25th anniversary in London

Prince William is honoring his late mother, Princess Diana, and the young people who've done good in her name.

The Prince of Wales, 41, was guest of honor as the Diana Award charity marked its 25^th anniversary in London on Thursday night.

He was at the glittering occasion at London’s Science Museum to pay tribute to the latest 20 Legacy Award winners from around the world, including the U.S., Australia, Bangladesh, the Cayman Islands, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, the UAE and the U.K.

In a speech, Prince William said, "I’m thoroughly delighted to be here today to recognize the transformational achievements of twenty exceptional young people from across the world. Each and every one of their stories, which you will hear shortly, are testament to their character, passion and determination to make a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of others."

He continued, "The paths taken by these young people have not always been easy. Many have overcome adversity and prejudice, but they are driven by courage, compassion and commitment – qualities shared by my mother."

Prince William praised how organizations like The Diana Award are encouraging young people to make the changes they want to see in the world.

Related: Meet the Young Americans Honored by Prince William for Their Work in Princess Diana's Name

"This evening’s Legacy Award is particularly special as it marks the 25th anniversary year of The Diana Award, a charity set up to reflect my mother’s belief that young people can change the world," he said. "I know that she would have been honored to see a charity in her name doing such inspirational work to uplift young people from all corners of the globe."

The Prince of Wales said, "She taught me that everyone has the potential to give something back, that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life. That legacy is something that both Catherine and I have sought to focus on through our work, as have the 50,000 young people who have received a Diana Award over the past 25 years."

Tom Walker, the singer who previously teamed up with Kate Middleton for a memorable performance at her Christmas concert in 2021, performed his song "Lifeline" at the event.

The latest group of Legacy Award recipients have been chosen by an independent judging panel, chaired by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and were selected from a pool of exceptional individuals already recognized for their impact on society with The Diana Award in 2022 or 2023.

Chief executive of the Diana Award, Tessy Ojo, said, “As we mark the start of our 25th Anniversary year these young people couldn’t be a more fitting tribute and legacy to Diana, the late Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world."

"Through their courage, selflessness and sheer determination they are making change happen, often, in the face of huge adversity," she added. "Their compassion, determination and agency to make positive change today and in the years ahead is immense.”

The three American award winners run various non-profits. They are Olivia Zhang, 18, from McLean, Virginia, who started Cancer Kids First; Hailey Richman, 16, from New York City, who set up Kid Caregivers; and Sikanda "Sonny" Khan, 26, from Michigan, who founded Paani Project.

Related: Prince William and Prince Harry to Appear Separately at Event in Late Mother Princess Diana's Name

Later, the winners will meet Prince Harry as he talks to them virtually from his home in California via video. Tessy Ojo told PEOPLE it was a "privilege to have the support of both [the princes] particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary year."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

"The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to speak with the award recipients virtually the same evening of the Awards to celebrate their accomplishments," she said.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.