London - Prince William (16) and Prince Harry (13), who have carried the loss of their mother with dignity, yesterday asked the British people to do the same and allow the memory of Princess Diana to rest in peace.
In an unexpected statement, the princes said they had been "comforted enormously by the public sympathy and support they have been given". But they insisted the time had come to stop grieving.
"They believe their mother would want people now to move on," said Prince Charles's press secretary, Mr Sandy Henney, who read the statement to reporters.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry arrived at Eton yesterday to enrol in the famous public school. He will be a boarder with his older brother, Prince William.