Prince William recalls 'dark days of grief' following Princess Diana's death

Prince William has opened up about the "dark days of grief" that followed news of his mother's tragic death. 

• Prince William is currently on a Royal Tour of Scotland 
• The Duke of Cambridge is reminded of both happy and sad memories when in Scotland 
• It follows royal news that Prince Harry reveals he can feel Princess Diana's presence and knows she would have 'been proud of him'

Prince William's Royal Tour of Scotland is bringing back both happy and sad memories of his time there. 

The Duke of Cambridge spent many years of his life growing up in Scotland. Both childhood years at the Queen's Balmoral home, and adult ones when he attended the University of St. Andrews - where he met his wife, Kate Middleton. 

But, an overwhelming feeling he has being back in Scotland is a reminder of the "dark days of grief" that followed his mother's tragic death.

Opening up about finding out about Princess Diana's tragic and sudden death during an emotional speech at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Prince William - who recently had his vaccination - said, "Scotland is a source of some of my happiest memories but also my saddest.

“I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning and in the dark days of grief that followed I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors.

“As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep."

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Having been appointed as Lord High Commissioner to the assembly by the Queen, Prince William took the opportunity to reminisce about happier times in Scotland. 

“Alongside this painful memory is one of great joy because it was here in Scotland 20 years ago this year that I first met Catherine.

“Needless to say the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.

“George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too.”