Only one member of the British royal family made Time’s 100 most influential people list this year: Prince Harry. He was recognised alongside not only his fiancée Meghan Markle, but also political figures such as Justin Trudeau, artists like Rihanna and industry titans like Oprah.
Each honouree receives a short write-up by someone of significance to their life or career. In Harry’s case, it’s by his late mother Princess Diana’s good friend, Elton John.
‘I first met an extremely shy and sweet Prince Harry at a private lunch at Kensington Palace, given by his mother Princess Diana for Gianni Versace and me many years ago,’ John begins.
‘What a joy it has been to see that young boy grow to inherit his mother’s warmth, sense of humour and courage to stand up and champion the causes he truly believes in.’
The musician then goes on to describe their shared passion for ending the global AIDs epidemic and Harry’s mission to reduce the stigma of mental health issues.
He closes with an observation about Harry’s character, a trait he undoubtedly inherited from Diana.
‘Prince Harry has that rare ability to walk into a room full of strangers and make everyone feel comfortable and at ease,’ John says. ‘As he has grown in maturity, I have watched him take on these causes with the remarkable skill to see and communicate how it truly feels for the people he is trying to help.’
