Princess Diana’s former private secretary, Patrick Jephson, has suggested that the Princess left behind cautionary tales for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Patrick suggested that if the princes and their advisors took the time to study Diana’s life, they would discover numerous lessons and “good examples” to follow.
In an interview with PEOPLE, he advised the Royal brothers not to take their birthright for granted, but instead to learn the value of sacrifice and earning their privilege.
He elaborated: “If they study Princess Diana’s life carefully-and I hope they often do-William, Harry, and their advisors will know that she left them many good examples to follow and also a few important warnings to heed. Public affection and the rich rewards of royalty must be earned with self-sacrifice and service.
“I’m sure they are grateful that every day she can still guide, comfort, and inspire them along the difficult path they were born to follow.”
This isn’t the first instance of a Royal expert commenting on the relationship between Harry, William, and their mother, who tragically died following a car accident in Paris at the age of 36. One Royal author even speculated about her potential thoughts on their current disagreement.
Royal author Andrew Morton, also speaking to PEOPLE, expressed his sadness over the current rift between the two brothers, suggesting that Diana could have served as a peacemaker between them.
He said: “Diana always used to say she had two boys for a reason – the younger would be there to support the older in the lonely task as future King.
“There is no doubt Diana would have tried to act as a peacemaker between them. If she had been around, they would have worked things out in a different way.”
The Royal expert also recalled the era when Harry and William enjoyed a close bond, describing its loss as devastating for the monarchy.
He said: “We all remember the days when Harry and William were joshing with one another, and it all seemed set for their relationship and the future – that Harry, as Diana always used to say, would be William’s wingman. It’s a great loss for the monarchy.”
Remarks concerning Diana, William and Harry emerge amid reports that neither of her sons will be eligible to inherit Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire, where Diana was raised and now rests, owing to an age-old custom.
Rather, it will pass to Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, who will receive it because the Spencers adhere to the tradition of male primogeniture, where an aristocrat’s title and property transfers to the eldest son, instead of the eldest child.
Since Louis lacks any elder brothers, he has three older sisters, Lady Kitty, Lady Amerilai, and Lady Eliza Spencer, he inherits the estate.