Diana’s Boys Became Windsor Men

In 10 years since her death, William and Harry have rejuvenated the royal family

By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2007 6:52 PM CDT

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Diana’s Boys Became Windsor Men — Prince William and Prince Harry, right, parade in suits and bowler hats with the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades' Association, in Hyde Park, London, Sunday May 13, 2007. The tradition of officers wearing black bowler hats and carrying umbrellas goes back to the First World War. (AP Photo/Stefan Rousseau,PA) (Associated Press)

Ten years after princes William and Harry walked behind their mother’s casket to Westminster Abbey, flanked by a cheating father whose ascension to the throne was distasteful to many and an uncle who predicted a royal implosion, the House of Windsor has been solidly rebuilt. And it is in no small part due to the loyalty and appeal of the boys, Reuters reports.

Eschewing the paparazzi they blamed in Diana’s death, the popular princes turned to family, helping the public to accept Charles's marriage to Camilla. Despite a few boyish hijinks, they comported themselves with honor, choosing traditional military career paths. "They have turned out to be 100% Windsors,” said one royal watcher, and the family is much stronger today than it was a decade ago. (More Princess Diana stories.)

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