News | Mar 15, 2022 08:59 PM EDT

Princess Diana's Death Still Makes People Sad, Prince George's Godmother Says

By Alexandria Reeves

Princess Diana's death still lingers in her close friend's memory.

In the wee hours of August 31, 1997, the then-36-year-old Princess Diana got involved in a horrific car crash at the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris that claimed her life. At the time of her death, she was survived by her two young sons, the then-15-year-old Prince William and then-12-year-old Prince Harry.

Years after the world lost the People's Princess, her friend Julia Samuel spoke candidly about the anger and pain she suffered from after losing Princess Diana.

On Sunday, she had an interview with The Guardian where she recalled the time she learned about Princess Diana's death.

"I felt angry. I was angry that she died, and shocked and I couldn't really understand it all. I mean, I understand it better now ... I understand that people felt they really knew and loved her. But I still feel sad today," she said, as quoted by People.

Despite the lingering pain, the 62-year-old best-selling author - who is also one of Prince George's godmothers - said that she is lucky that she became a good friend of Princess Diana. Samuel said she truly loves Prince George, and it is also her way of loving the late royal.

In related news, royal family members also remember Princess Diana at all times. During the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey this week, the Duchess of Cambridge took her chance to pay a touching tribute to Princess Diana by wearing some of her jewelry.

She particularly wore a sapphire jewelry set which she once wore when she and Prince William met the Ukrainian President and his wife at Buckingham Palace in 2020.

Julia Samuel Thanks Prince William, Prince Harry

Elsewhere in the discussion, Samuel credited Princess Diana's sons for positively influencing the public conversation about grief and mental health.

"I think both the princes have really turned the dial on talking about grief so honestly and also about mental health. But that was all theirs, completely off their own bats," she said.

For what it's worth, both royal princes have opened up about their struggles with mental health issues.

According to the Duke of Cambridge, his work as an air ambulance helicopter pilot pushed him to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being support.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry also admitted undergoing therapy as part of his mental health journey.